HISTORICAL SKETCH 



0? 



BETHLEHEM 



IN 



PENNSYLVANIA, 



With Some Account of the 



Moravian Church, 




BY 



John Hill Martin, 

Of the Philadelphia Bar, 

A Member of the " Moravian ITiatorical Society.** 
And uf the '■ Historical Society of Pennsylvania." 
And author of • Slietches in the Lehigh Valley.'' 



ECOND EDITION. 



rniLADELPHIA : 

(Printed for THE AUTHOR, 

By JOHN L. PILE, at No. 422 "Walnut Street. 

1S73. 



:33 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, by 

John Hill Martin, 

In the Office of the Clerk of the District Court 

of the United States in and for the 

Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 

in the year 18G9. 

MAR 2 9 T.li 



I'tiMT EomoN, 33) copies printed. 

S«ro!«D Kditiow, 150 copies only printcl, wllhcorrcttlonii. 



/ 





'■(^l^^^iyiZvi^ 



INTRODUCTION. 

TniS work i not a full history uf Bethleheju, l)Ut simply an historical Sketch, for 
tlie r.se of the travfe.ler. It is intended to supjjly a want which is felt by those people 
who ('esire to know somelliing of the origin of the Town, the character of the peculiar 
people who first settled and built it, and of the different Institutions they foundcil in it. 

ISTo one can visit the Town without desiring to know more of it than can be derived 
from mere enquiry; and to render such information is the object of this sketch. 

It was written entirely for amusement, but from the most authentic information 
that could be obtained by the Author; who became much interested in the Town, its 
people, its institutions, and its historic mementoes. 

JOHN HILL MARTIN. 

Pbiladelphia, March ist, 1869. 



Table of Contents. 



Chatter I. 

Settlement of Bethlehem ; building of the first house ; origin of name of the town ; 
some account of the Moravian Church ; sketch of Count Zinzendorf and his family ; 
Aima Nitschmann, - - - - - 5 

Chapter II. 

The descendants of Zinzendorf, Louis David deSchweinits ; the Old Indian Chapel ; 
tlie Unity, Doctrine and Missions of the Moravian Church ; a list of the Inhabi- 
tants of Bethlehem ; the Indian Troubles, - - - 12 

Chapter III. 

The Married People's House ; the Indian Wars of 1755 ; Benjamin Franklin as r. 
General; his account of Bethlehem; Penn's Walking Purchase the cause of the 
Indian Troubles ; Longfellow's Burial of the Minisink, - - 19 

Chapter IV. 

The Old Mill, built in 1751, burned in 1809; the Bethlehem AVater Works; Eevo- 
lutionary times of 1776 ; Washington and Bishop Ettwein ; Pulaski's Banner ; 
Longfellow's Poem ; Visit of Washington ; Lafayette ; Mrs. Reidesel's Account ; 
Mrs. Friday ; Cotton ; the Fishery ; Manufacturers ; Main Road to Ohio ; the Stone 
Kidge ; Views and Scenery, - - - - 26 

Chapter V. 

The " Crown Inn ;" the Sun Hotel ; Marriages in Olden Times ; the Choirs ; Dr. John 
Schopf's Account of his Visit ; a Sketch from the Boston Magazine of 1784 ; Extract 
from a Paper read before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, - - 3'3 

Chapter VI. 

The Schnitz House ; the F.armers in Old Times ; the Object of the Establishment of the 
Moravian Church in America ; Kochefoucault's Description of Bethlehem ; the 
Bethlehem Souvenir; Simplicity of Moravian Life in the Last Century; Music ; 
Bishop Spangenberg ; The Fifty Year's Celebration, June 25, 1792 ; The Old 
Bridge over the Lehigh, 1792 ; Sketch from the American Gazetteer, - 44 

Chapter VII. 

The First Moravian Store ; Bethlehem in 1797, from Ogden's Excursion into Bethlehem 

and Nazareth in 1800 ; the Ancient Institutions of the Brethren's Church, - 50 

Chapter VIII. 

Description of the large Moravian Church, erected in 1803 ; The Bethlehem Archives ; 
The Gemein Hans, or Congregation House ; The First Moravian Church in Bethle- 
hem ; The Old Chapel, or Second Church ; Tlje Old School, or the First Moravian 
Seminary for Females ; The Official Seal of the Church of the United Brethren ; The 



li COXTEXTS. 



Aililition to the Old Scliool; " Tlic Sister's House ;" The "Widows' House;" Orij^iu 
of the Sisters' Houses; Marriiigi' liy Lot; Lieut. Aubery's Opiniou ; Kxplanatiou 
of tlie Lot ; Aecount ol" it in the Histoiioiil Collections of New Jersey; The "Gre:it 
Marriajje Aia" in BrthUheiii, April "JOtli, IT-JT; Miss Mortimer's Novel of the 
Marrying by Lot ; Married Wonnii, and Aneient Cusloms ; Keiuarka in Stroud's 
History of I'ennsylvauia ; Art of Parliament of -0 (ieorgc 2d, C 44, for llic Natu- 
ralization of Foreign Protestants, i&e., - - - - 57 

Chapter IX. 

The riethlehcm Alphabet; the Old Water Works ; Dr. Mea.'ie's Sketch of the Mora- 
vians; Derby's Oazetteer, 1827; Mrs. Koyal's Aeeouut, 1829; Prince Ma.tamilian 
of Nenwied's Visit, 1832 ; James N. ISuek's Sketches ; (iordou's Gazetteer of Penn- 
sylvania, 18:52: The Centennial Celebration ; LT. S. (iazatleer, 1813; Incorporation 
o( the Borough, 184'); "God Save the Liickenbai4i's ;" Act of Parliament lleco,^- 
uiziui; the " I'nitas Fratrnm," as a Protestant Episcopal Church in 174"J; Origin 
of the Moravians; Some Account of the Settlement at Hope, New Jersey, from 
the Historical Collections of that State, - - - 03 

Chapter X. 

Moravi.an Memories ; Modern Bethlehem ; the Old Gr.ave Yard ; Funeral Ceremonies 
of the Moravians; Tschoop ; Tadeuskung, Anecdote of the Chief, the Figure on In- 
dian Kock, on the Wis.sahicon ; David Nit.schmann; Dr. Koliert Dudley Koss ; 
M on rnitii; Dress not Worn by the Moravians; the I'assinp; Bell; Faster Morning 
Celebration ; Drives, Walks, and Places of Interest near Bethlehem ; Dr. Maurice 
C. Jones and the Fremdeudicncr's ; Moravians in Karly Times, - - 81 

Chapter XI. 

The Moravian Parochial School ; the Moravian College, founded, A. D., 1807, charted 
April 3, 18t)3; the Bethlehem Male Hoarding School ; Nisky Hill Male Seminary ; 
the Old Barn of the Congregation Farm ; Sketch of the Bethlehem Seminary for 
Young Ladies ; the Military Record of Bethlehem during the Kebellion, - 07 

Chapter XII. 

The Enterprise of the Moravian Church; their schools ; their Publications; the 
Text-I'.ook ; I'.irtb Days, and their Celebr.ilion ; the First Printing OIKce ; the News- 
papers of liethlehem" in the Past and Present; '' Pennsylvania Dutch ;" "Love- 
Feasts ;" the Moravian Christmas I'utz ; the " 'foung Men's Missionary Society," 
and Christian Association of Bethlehem, - - 110 

Chapter XIII. 

The Societv for Propagation the Gospel among the Heathen ; Statistics of the I'nity 
of the'Brcthren, January 1, 18li<); List of the Churches :ind Missions in the North- 
ern Diocese of the Church of the United Brethren in America; an Old Passport ; 
Christian Frederick Post ; Sister " Polly Hcckewelder ;" Kcv. John Heckeweldcr, 
and his Writings; the Ilorslield Papers; History of Northampton County, from a 
Pamphlet; Otlicial Seal of the Moravian Church, a Corri'ction ; Travels of the 
Manpiis de Chastellux in America, 1780 ; Cha.s. Thompson's Theory of the For- 
mation of the Wind-Gap ; Curiosities; the Old Iron Stove Plates; Indian Corn 
Grinder; the Old Sun Dial; Old Tiles; Old Water Pipes; the First Market 
House; Old Grave Yard, South of the Lehigh; Zinzendorf's visit to Wyoming ; 
Formation of Northampton County, ... - 127 

CHAPTEn XIV. 

The Litany of the Moravian Church ; " Bartow's P.ith ;" Niskey Hill ; Friedenshuetten ; 
the Indian House; the German Ilarns ; Tecumseh ; the Indian .Missionary Stations ; 
Haidtc's Painting of the First Fruits ; Seheussle's Picture of Zeisberger Preaching 
to the Indians; The Lehigh, its Freshets and Fisheries; A ride on the Switch- 



CONTENTS. Ill 



back- American Tea; The Old Perseverance and the Fire Apparatus of Betlile- 
hem-' The Hotels; The Streets ; The Old Tannery ; Social Life; Census of 18,0; 
I'owder Magazine ; Height of the Lehigh Hills ; May-day ; The Masonic Societies 
of Bethlehem, - - " - 141 

Chaptee XV. 
Music in Bethlehem, by Rufus A. Grider, of the Bethlehem Moravian Congregation, - 157 

Chapter XVI. 

Borough Authorities ; Lawvers and Doctors ; The choice of Bishops by Lot ; An Ac- 
count of a " Vesper" of the Moravian Historical Society ; Old Map of Bethlehem in 
the Historical Sooiety of Pennsj'lvania ; The Married Peoples' Houses; Mano- 
kasv; The Apothecary Shop; Pottery; Tobacco; Silk; Public Buildings; The 
Vineyards; The Pennsylvania and Lehigh Zinc Co. ; South Bethlehem ; The Pa- 
per Bag Manufacturv; New Street Bridge; Volunteer Companies; The Lehigh 
University ; The Freshet of October 4, 1SG9 ; The First Public Koads ; David 
Nitschman and His Company ; The Great Minnisink Trail ; The First Post Office ; 
The Mode of Travel in the Olden Times ; The " Crown Inn " ; Stage Route, Wind ^ 
Gap to Philadelphia, - - - -1/4 




'^&sr&^^' 






First Hou-e, Eelhlehem, fcuilt 1741. 



iriSTOEICAL SKETCH 

OF 

BETHLEHEM, 

Pennsylvania, 

WITH SOME ACCOUXT OF THE MOKAVIAN' 

cnuRcu. 
— •l;:^• — 

A qnict tuwii, embiiwfred by patruircli trcpn. 
Anniml which ^locps nu ntniosr'here, as swet't 
As iiirs iif P;iradise: where tiny fcft 
Tiniile, at twilitrht, on a balmier breeze, 
Than ever l^lew from Ceylon's spicy aeas — 
And wlu-re thrnnghout the long iinil languid days 
Poised on the Sycamore's eilver-rindcd Pprays, 
The Oriole si ngs hisne>t, and tlutes his glu-s. 
Far statelier i <ts may beam beneath the sun, 
But none so bland in beauty — none so bright 
Wit!i Ellen's own Asphodel, that, exbatinglight, 
El 'oms in her paths, while, like a kneeling nun 
Hearing High Mass, she looks with reverent eyes, 
Throngh clasping greenery, on smiling bki^ s ! 
—Henry B. IIinsT. 

CHAPTER I. 

SeTTLEMF.\T of CcTnLEHEM. — CuiLPING OF 

THE FntsT House. — Oniciii of Kame of 
THE Town. — Some Account op the Mora- 
vian CnnncH. — Sketch op Count Zinzen- 
DonF AND ni3 Fajiily. — Anna Nitschsiann. 

j1[3,et HLEUEM, Northampton County, 
(2^^Pcnns}'lvania, is situated on thesoutli- 
ern side of a dsclivifv rising from the north- 
ern b,i:i!t of the Lehigh River, twelve miles 



from its mouth at Easton, on the river Dela- 
ware, and fifty-two miles from, and connect- 
ing with the city of Philadeljihia by the 
North Pennsylvania Railroad; which forin.s 
a junction with the Lehigh Valley Railroad 
at that point; thus placing Bethlehem within 
two hours ride by railroad of Philadelphia, 
and three hours from Harrisburg and New 
York. 

Bethlehem was settled in 1741 by Moravians 
from Germany. It is a place of great resort 
in the summer sea.^on for the inhabitant3 of 
Philadelphia and New York, and is chielly 
celebrated for its dry and salubrious climate. 
It is particularly adapted as a jilaee of resi- 
dence for invalids, especially for those suffer- 
ing from weakness of the lungs, being at the 
southern end of an extensive plain called 
the "Dry lands," and sheltered on the west 
and north by the Blue Ridge Mountains, 
twenty miles distant. It is famous for ils 
schools, its beautiful walks and drives, and 
the open-hearted hospitality of its Anjlo- 
Cierman population, numbering at this time, 
about 7,000. 

To the better understanding of the appear- 
ance of the town of Bethlehem, and the cus- 
toms of the people, it will be necessary to give 
a short sketch of the rise and progress of tha 
Moravian Society. 



niSTORICAL SKETCH OF 



In the early jiart of the year 1711, a small 
party of German Moravians, Bevcntcen in 
number, under the leadership of Peter Boeh- 
ler, left K])hrata now Nazareth, in Northamp- 
ton County, Pennsylvania, and settled at that 
point on the Lehigh or itrAu river, (as it was 
named by the Indians) where a small ereek 
called the Manockasy empties into that 
stream. This place is now ealled BETni.r- 
ncM, the Soeiety having purchased there 
4100 acres of land lor the iiur[iose of forming .1 
settlement. 

The first house, with a stable attached, 
was erected that year, and within its walls 
Tvere assembled on Christmas Eve, 1711, 
the pious inhabitants of the little settle- 
ment, (added to whom were Count Nicholas 
Louis Von Zinzendorf and his daughter Be- 
nigna, who had just arrived in this country 
from Germany,^ forthe purpose ofcclcbraling 
the coming anniversary of the birth-day of 
our Saviour, and from the coincidence that 
the celebration was jmrtly performed in the 
stable, the name of Bethlehem was given to 
the infant town ; the proposed name had been 
Bethlechcm,or the"/i<)«»<' 17)011 ihc Lcchn ," hiii 
in commemoration of this eventful evening 
it was changed to Bethlehem. 

The fidlowing interesting sketch concern- 
ing the settlement of Bethlehem, was written 
by John Martin Mack, a Moravian Mission- 
ary to the American Indians. He was born 
in 1715 and died inI7S-l. "On the 13th of April, 
1 740, we concluded to break up our settlcmen t 
in Georgia, on account of the war, as we had 
no religious liberty, and remove to Pennsyl- 
vania, where we arrived the same month, 
and were engaged as mechanics and day-la- 
bourers by Mr. 'Whitefield at Nazareth, in 
order to build a house for him at that place, 
as he had purchased the land for converted 
peojdein England. We had a pleasant house- 
hold, every one laid hold where they could, 
and the Lord was with us. 

" In Dec. 1740, Bishop David Nitschman Fa- 
ther Nitschman, and his daughter Anna, Sis- 
ter, Mother, and Charles Friihlich arrived 
from Europe with a commission to locate a 
BCttlcmcnt for the Brethren, and they did so 
in 1741. The ground whereon Bethlehem 



stands was ]iurehascd, and in the spring / 
aeaistctl in cudhig cloirn thejirtt tree ami /ouiiiliiig 
the place. In the fall of the fame year came 
the blessed follower (Zinzendorf), several 
days before Christmas. lie came to our new 
built place ere it had a name; iteohappcned 
that we celebrated Christmas Eve in memo- 
ry of the birth of our dear Saviour, and as 
there was only a wall between our dwelling 
and our cow and horse stable— so the Sclitji 
Jiini/ci- wettl into the stable in the tenth liour 
with us, and sang with feeling, so that our 
hearts were melted. 

' Xichl aus JorusaUm, eoDdrrn Bctlilclii-m 
Au8 doni Komt was mir fronu-t.' 

And thus the jilacc received the name of 
Bethlehem. The impression which it made 
ujion my heart will remain to my latest 
hour." 

Geo. M"hitifu'ld ]>urchased 5,000 acres of 
land A. D. 1740, in l']iper Nazareth Town- 
ship, which he transferred to the Brethren 
in 1743. This domain was known as the 
' Barony of Nazareth,' and was nominally 
the property of the Countess Zinzendorf; it 
had the right of Court Baron, and was the 
only manor sold by the Penns with the priv- 
ilege, and it was and is yet held on condi- 
tion of rendering service to them and their 
heirs, of a I!cd Rote in June of each year. 

The first house was a large log house, such 
as are common in the wilds of Pennsylva- 
nia, even in these days. It was intended as a 
temporary residence for the settlers, until a 
more substantial building conld be erected. 
It stood upon the site of the present stables 
of the " Eagle Hotel." Numerous drawings 
of it have been made, in which it is represen- 
ted as a one-story log house with attic rooms 
or garrets, having two doors and two windows 
in the front of the house, and two windows in 
each gable end of the first story, and two ir- 
regular windows in the gable ends of the 
garrets. When the house was torn down 
some of the wood was preserved, from which 
canes, rules, and pen-holders have been made, 
and arc highly prized. 

The existence of the religious soeiety of 
the Moravians, or the church of the United 
Brethren, the ancient " XSnitat Fiatniiu," is 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSTLVAyiA. 



now a matter of history. They are the oldest 
known Apostolic and Protestant church, 
coining from Bohemia and Moravia; its Bish- 
ops justly claiming Apostolic succession, au- 
thoritatively recognized by the Established 
Church of England, and by the Protestant 
Episcopal Church in the United States. 

To sketch briefly a history of the rise of 
the United Brethren, it will be necessary to 
begin in the year IITG, when the Waldenses, 
a religious and primitive people, first made 
their appearance in Bohemia, and settled on 
the borders of the Eger, where they soon 
united in friendly and religious communion 
with the Bohemians and Moravians. The 
early history of these persecuted people is 
involved in much obscurity, although their 
origin is dated from the eighth century, and 
Bometimes earlier; they inhabited the valley 
of Peidmont and took their name from a cel- 
ebrated leader of their sect, Peter "Waldo. 

They were undoubtedly, however, the ear- 
liest advocates of Christian Truth, and suf- 
fered the most terrible persecutions ; their 
descendants are still found in Peidmont, 
Switzerland and France. They traced their 
Episcopal ordination to the Apostles, and on 
settling in Bohemia, finding their doctrines 
and practices assimilating with those of that 
country, they finally became united into one 
church. 

From these united people, sprung the Bo- 
hemian John Huss, who about the year 1400, 
brought the doctrines of hispeoplebefore the 
world ; and in consequence suffered the per- 
secutions of the Church of Rome, and was 
finally burnt at the stake as a Heretic, on the 
6th of July, 1415. Then followed the great 
Hussite war. 

Finally, after many persecutions and secret 
worshipping in caves, George Podiebrad, of 
Bohemia, about the year 1456, permitted the 
Bohemians and Moravians to form themselves 
into an association, (the " UnitaiFratruvi,") 
and to settle in the principality of Litiz. 

In the year 1467, a deputation of seventy 
of the most respectable members of the Mo- 
ravian brethren met at Lahota. Nine of 
these were chosen, from whom throe were 
selected by lot, to be the spiritual advisers 



of the people; those chosen wore Mathias of 
Kunewold, Thomas Pizelaucius and Elias 
Krenovins, and as it was necessary these 
Presbyters should properly administer the 
rites of Ordination, they decided on seeking 
Episcopal ordination from some pure source 
accordingly, some time after, the Brethren 
resolved on sending three of their priests to 
the Waldenses, (who still had their churches 
and bishops in Austria,' to receive their sa- 
cred ordination, one of whom was Michael 
Bradacius.who was with two others, ordained 
by Stephen, one of the last remaining Wal- 
densian bishops, who, within a year thereaf- 
ter, was burned at the stake, and his follow- 
ers fugitives. 

About the same time the persecutions of 
the Brethren began anew, and they struggled 
on long weary years against civil and ecclesi- 
astical power, until at last a patron and a 
protector was raised up for them, under 
whose influence, bravery and goodness, the 
society has become great and prosperous in 
this country and in Europe; wherethey have 
built many pleasant towns, from which they 
send out numerous missionaries, who go 
about the world doing good to all mankind. 

Nicholas Louis, Count von Zinzendorf, to 
whose protection, fraternal friendship and 
pious exertions the Moravians owe so much, 
and which they repay so fully by cherishing 
and keeping ever green his memory amongst 
them, was born in the city of Dresden, on 
the 26th of May, 1700. His father was min- 
ister of State to the king of Saxony, and a 
nobleman much esteemed, he married the 
Countess Eeuss Von Ebeisdorf, by whom he 
had this one son, and died soon after. His 
widow then retired to the residence of her 
mother (at Hennersdorf, in upper Lusatia, 
Sa.xony,) Henrietta, Baroness de Gersdorf. a 
learned and pious lady, who devoted herself 
to the education of her grandson. When quite 
young he was sent to theUniversity ofHalle, 
then under the direction of of its founder, 
Francke; and afterwards in 1716, he went 
to the University of Wittenburg, to complete 
his studies. He left there in 1719, resolved 
to embrace the Ecclesiastical profession, and 
traveled throughout Northern Europe, inclu- 



niSTORICAL SKETCH OF 



d'.iii France and Holland ; having spent 
most of his time during hisjourney, with the 
most eminent theologians of the countries 
I'lrou^h which he passed. He wrote and pub- 
1 slicd his travels under the title of '• The 
ril-;ri:nagc of AUicus through the World." 

cin returning from his travels, ^hc Count 
purchased the manor and e.-talesof Berthels- 
il irf. About thistime the society of the United 
Ilrethren in Moravia were again being much 
jK'rsecutcd for the practice of their religious 
bjlief. Zinzendorf becoming acquainted with 
t Jc fact, extended to them through Christian 
David, an invitation to come and settle on 
his estates ; and in acceptance thereof, there 
arrived on tlie 17th of June, 1722, alittlecom" 
pany of ten persons, who immediately com- 
r.ionccd to erect a house for their own accom- 
modation, upon the estate of tlie Count. Such 
was the beginning of '■ Hernhut," meaning, 
'• The protection of the Lord." The number 
of settlers soou increased, and within five 
years the town had a population of 500 souls. 
Zinzendorf took great interest in the infant 
Gettlcmeiit; and assisted by aLutheran min- 
ister, Kothe, instructed the settlers and edu- 
cated their children; He conceived the idea 
of founding a religious community, embrac- 
ing the doctrines of tlio martyred Huss, 
which was soonaccomplished: and itis from 
tais time that the Moravians date the renew- 
al of the church of the United Brethren. 

John IIuss, the great reformer, was born 
in the village of Hussinitz, in Bohemia, in 
the year 1373, and is regarded by the Mo- 
ravians as the founder of their faith. As 
early as the year 1 500, the United Brethren 
had over 200 churches in Bohemia ; they had 
published their confession of faith, their edi- 
tions of the Bible, their hymn book and 
catechism. Luther, with great justice, styled 
them " The reformers before the Reforma- 
tion." It was the descendants of these Unit- 
ed Brethren, the remnants of that once large 
religious community, to whom Zinzendorf 
gave an asylum at Hernhut ; and convinced 
that their doctrines were of tljo true failli, he 
became a member of their church, passed 
his examination as a theological candidate at 
Stralsund, and preached there his first ser- 



mon. He was subsequently consecrated a 
bishop of the Moravian Church at Berlin; 
and in 17.12 he was married to the Countess 
Erdmuth Dorothea Von Reuss; by the mar- 
riage contract he transferred to her all his 
property, and they entered into a mutual 
covenant, that they would both be ready at 
a moment's warning, to enter upon the task 
of converting the heathen. The Brethren 
soon began to establish foreign missions, and 
their churches are now founil in nearly all 
parts of the known world : the conversion of 
the heathen to the true faith, being one of 
the first objects of the society. It may be 
stated, that the belief, and the forms and cer- 
emonies of the Moravian Church, assimilate 
to those of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
of which they claim to be the oldest known 
member, saying that they are a branch of the 
Greek Church, and have preserved the Epis- 
copal, succession. Crantz, the great Mora- 
vian historian, has written fully on all these 
points, and his work is one of great interest. 
It is said to have been Zinzendorf's wish that 
the Moravians should adopt the liturgy of 
the Episcopal Church, instead of the one now 
in use; but ho found himself so violently 
opposed by his Brethren, that he abandoned 
the idea. 

In the year 1737, Zinzendorf visited Eng- 
land, in order to confer with Doctor Potter, 
the Archbishop of Canterbury, concerning 
Moravian affairs, and the Episcopal ordina- 
tion. It was there that he met General Ogle- 
thorpe, aud other gentlemen interested in 
the settlement of Georgia ; they solicited the 
Count to send missionaries to that colony ; he 
objected on the ground that his Brethren 
were not acknowledged as duly ordained by 
the Established Church. The Arch-Bishop 
was consulted, and replied : "That the Mo- 
ravian Brethren were an Apostolic and Epis- 
copal Church, not sustaining any doctrines 
repugnant to the thirty-nine articles of the 
Church of England ; that they could not 
therefore with propriety, nor ought they to be 
iindcred from preaching the gospel among 
the heathen." He also said : " That no En- 
glishman who had any notion of Ecclesiasti- 
cal history, could doubt their Apostolic sue- 



B E T n L E n E M, PENNSYLVANIA. 



cession." The bench of Bishops in England 
in tlie year 1749, agreed that these Brethren 
(referring to the present Moravian Church — 
then known by the nameof the"TJnitils Fra- 
trura at Hernhut") were an Episcopal Church, 
and an act of parliament was passed June 
B, 1743, which granted and secured to 
them certain solicited privileges. Copies of 
llie aat were printed in English, Latin, 
French and German, and distributed among 
the Brethren; one of the original printed 
copies in English, is now in possession of B. 
E, Lehman, of Bethlehem, Pa. 

In the list of Bishops of the Unity of the 
Bohemian and Moravian Brethren, commen- 
cing with Michael Bradaeius, consecrated in 
14G7, by Stephen, Bishop of the Waldenses; 
and ending in 1644, we find fifty-five names, 
adding to these the Bishops of the Unity in 
Poland, taken from Jablonsky's letter to 
Arch-bishoi^ AYake, in 1717, down to David 
Nitschman, (consecrated in 1735, by Jablons- 
ky, at Berlin,) the first Bishop of the renew- 
ed Moravian Cliurch, we have sixty-seven 
Bishops; and from that time till the ordina- 
tion of Samuel Relnke in 1858, no less than 
eighty-nine more bishops were added to the 
list. Making the entire number of Bishops 
of the Moravian Church to tXat time, one 
hundred and sixty-six. Some writers in- 
crease the number, hnt Crantz makes David 
Nitschman the sixty-seventh Bishop, and he 
has been followed as the best authority. 

The Kcv. Edward De Schweinitz, in the 
Moravian Manual, gives a list of the Bishops 
of the church, constituting the Episcopal suc- 
cession of the Viiitas Fratrnm, In the Ancient 
Chuhch from 1407 to 1734, he makes the num- 
ber of Bishops to be 70. Since then, up to 
1866, he gives 97 Bishops of the 

Renewed CncRCn. 



<0. 


Con^"cm«on. '''''"'r'- 


71 


1735 


D;vi»I Nitschman. 


72 


1737 


Lewis C.iiintde Zinzendorf. 


73 


1740 


Polycarp Mueller. 


74 


1741 


John Nitschman, scu. 


7.'> 


1743 


Frederick Baron De Wattevillc, 


7'5 


17U 


Martin Dober. 


77 


1745 


Augustus G. Spangaaberg. 



80 


" 


81 


« 


82 


1747 


S3 


" 


84 


" 


85 


1748 


SS 


" 


S7 


1750 


88 


1751 


89 


1754 


no 


1756 


91 


1758 


02 


u 


93 


1770 


91 


1773 


95 


1775 


96 


a 


97 


'• 


98 


1782 


99 


" 


100 


(( 


101 


1783 


102 


1784 


103 


1785 


104 


1786 


105 


1789 


106 


" 


107 


" 


108 


a 


109 


1790 


110 


•' 


111 


1801 


112 


" 


113 


(( 


114 


i( 


115 


1802 


116 


1808 


117 


" 


118 


ISll 


119 


1S14 


120 


a 


121 


a 


122 


^' 


123 


1SI5 


1-24 


1S18 


125 


'• 


126 


'^ 


127 


1822 


123 


1S25 


123 


" 


130 


a 


131 


(( 


132 


1827 


133 


1835 



David Nilscbman. jun. 
Frederick W. N<'i.sscr. 
Christian F. Steiuhofer. 
J, F. Caraerhof. 
John Baron ile WatteviUe. 
Leonard Dober. 
A. A. Vieroth. 
Frederick Martin. 
Peter Boeliler. 
George Waiblinger. 
Matthew Uehl. 
Jclin Gambold. 
Andrew Grasmau. 
.Tuhn Nit3chman. 
Nathaniel Seidel. 
Martin Mack. 
Martin Graf. 
John F. Reichel. 
Paul E.Layrilz. 
P. II. Molther. 
Uenry de Brneiiiugk. 
George Clemens. 
Jeremiah Ribler. 
George Tranecker. 
John Etweiu. 
John Schaukirch. 
Benjamin G. Mueller. 
Christian Gregor. 
Samuel Liebiscb. 
C. Duvcrnoy, 
Benjamin P.othc. 
John A. Ilufbncr. 
John D. Koeliler. 
Thomas Moore. 
Christian I>ober. 
Samuel T. Benade. 
Gotthold neichel. 
George H. L iskiel. 
John O. Cunow, 
Herman liichter. 
John Ilerbst. 
"William Fabriciu.^. 
Charles G.Uueir.l. 
Charles A. Caumistcr. 
John Eaptisto de Albertiul. 
Jacob Van VUck. 
George M. Schnold t. 
F. ^y. Foster. 
Eriijamin Reichel. 
Andrew Benade. 
John Wied. 
Lewis Fabriciua. 
Petrr F. Curie, 
John Ilolmca. 
Juhn D. Anders. 
Frederick L. Kooibing. 



10 



n I S T O 11 I (' A L S K i: T C II OF 



iC4 ISCj Juhli C. rcclilcr. 

135 ISSO C. A. ruhlmnn. 

130 " ir. L. llalbcik. 

137 " J:icot) I.ivlll It> iciK'l. 

138 " Daniil F. Gaiuls. 

139 " Williiim IKiiry Van Vlnk. 

140 " John Kinj: Miirt.vn. 
HI '• John Ellis. 

Ui 1S43 John M. Nitarhrniin. 

143 " C. C. Ullsch. 

141 '* John Steng:ifnl. 

14,> ISIl ■\Villiani Wi>iIo:H E35CX. 

140 1S45 Pi-ter WoUo. 

147 1840 John 0. llrrman. 

14S " Bi-ujaniiu Siiff.Tth. 

149 1S4S C. W. Matthiispn. 

150 1S52 F. Joachim Nielsen. 
101 " John Rogers. 

16i lSo3 John C. Breuttl. 

163 " Henry T. Duher. 

164 " George Wall Wcsterhy. 
155 1S64 John Chrislian Jacohfion. 
15G lSo7 Godfrey Andre-v Cuiiow. 
167 " 'William Kdwardp. 

158 " Charles William Jalin. 

159 " Uenry liudolph Wullschlaoscl. 
16) lf6S Samuel Reinke. 

101 1800 Geo. Fred'k liahnson. 

162 1863 Ernest F. Rcichel. 

163 " E. W. Croeger. 
1C4 1SC3 Jamea Iji;robe, 
105 1S64 Henry A. Sliultz. 
ICG " David liigler. 
1C7 ISOO G. T. Tielzeu. 

Since ISfiO there has been no new Bishops 

aiiiiointod iu the church. 

In Jlaroli IToG, Count Zinzoxrlorf w.asbiin- 
isliod from S.-ixony, nn<ler llie firetext of liis 
<lis8eminating false doctrines on i'eHf;i^>n, 
and having given protection to the commu- 
nity at Ilernhut, against whom there were 
many like complaints. Driven from his 
home, he visited England and tlic missions 
of the Society in America, during which 
time he visited Bethleliem, and was present 
at the ever memorable colobration at that 
place on Christmas Eve, 1711. In 174.'!, he 
returned to Europe, and in 1717 obtained 
permission from the King ofSaxony to return 
to Ilernhut. During his absence the govern- 
ment had sent a commission to investigate 
charges against thecommunity of theUrctli- 



rcn, but their rejiort proving favorable to 
the usages, social forms and religious prac- 
tices of the people there, they were not dis- 
turbed. In 1750 the Countess Von Zinzen- 
dorf died, and the Count, in about a year 
after her death married Anna Nitschman, 
who had accompanied him and his daughter 
iu their travels in America. The Count and 
his wife both died in 17G0, within, twelve 
days of each other; and were buried side by 
side in the cemetery atllutberg. 

Anna Nitschman was a daughter of " Old 
father Nitschman," one of the original emi- 
grants from Jloravia, who died at Bethle- 
hem, and is interred in tlie cemetery there. 
She was a very remarkable woman, and at- 
tracted as much attention and respect from 
those who were acquainted with her, as did 
the celebrated Zinzendorf. At the early ago 
of fifteen she was an Eldress of the Sisters at 
Ilernhut, and became quite eminent in the 
performance of ministerial duties. It was 
not uncommon at that time for women to 
speak and pray in unofficial life. 

Many of the hymns used by the Moravi- 
ans in their religi<nis services werecomposed 
by Zinzendorf, and he has so completely 
identified himself with their Society, that it 
has become impossible to make even a brief 
sketch of it, such as this, withouta continual 
reference to him, and in a great measure, 
giving a history of his life. 

The Count's eldest daughter, the Countess 
Henrietta Benigna Justina de Zinzendorf, 
who accompanied her father during his visit 
to America, was married in 1747, to Johan- 
nes Baron de Watteville, a Bishop of the Mo- 
ravian Church. The Count had twelve chil- 
dren by his first marriage, six sons, and six 
daughters. 

The Countess Erdmuth took as much in- 
terest as her husband in the little communi- 
ty at Ilernhut, and during his banishment 
she was the chief counsel and recourse of the 
Soiiety there, " The family of Zinzendorf 
appears to have been of very remote antiqui- 
ty in the Duchy of Austria. As early as tho 
eleventh century, it. was numbered among the 
twelve noble houses, which were the chief 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



11 



BUpport of the Austrian dynasty. From its 
founder Ehrcnhold, to his descendant, the 
subject of this sketch, were reckoned twenty- 
two generations. The dignity of Count of 
the Holy Roman Empire was conferred on it 
by the Emperor Leopold in the year 1662. 
The first member of the family who embrac- 
ei' the doctrines of the Reformation, was 
John, the second of the name who died in 
1552. Of his descendants, several families re- 
mained in the Austrian dominions, and were 
distinguished by their adherence to the Pro- 
testant faith, not less than by their civil and 
military services. It is a remarkable fact, 
that Luke Bakeneister, Doctor and Professor 
of Theology, who in the reign of the Empe- 
ror Eudolph II, held a visitation of the 
Churches in Austriaadhering to the Augsberg 
Confession, found four ilourishing Protestant 
congregations, duly 2jrovided with Pastors 
established on the estates of Zinzendorf fam- 
ily at Lung, Charlsutten, Pottendorf and 
Orth, near JIarkfeld. The grandfather of 



the Count, Maximilian Erasmus, emigrated 
from kis native land and settled at Obcrberg 
near Nuremberg, esteeming the loss of all his 
estates more than counterbalanced by the 
superior liberty of conscience which he thus 
obtained. His son George Lewis, the father 
of the Count, having moved to Dresden, en- 
tered into the service of the elector of Saxo- 
ny, and died as stated in the narrative, in 
the year 1700. The head-ship of the family 
which fell to the Count in 1756, on the do- 
cease of hfs elder brother, he ceded with all 
his rights and immunities to his nephew, as 
soon as the necessary forms could be gone 
through. 

The motto of the house of Zinzendorf, de- 
rived from Count Albert the Prime Minister 
of the Emperor Leopold, was : " I yield to no 
one, not even to the whole world." See a 
note to a poem by Count Zinzendorf, on his 
brother Frederick Christian's second mar- 
riage, German Poems No. 63, page 176, in 
which he makes a striking allusion to thia 
motto. 



12 



II I .; T n I c A L s K i: T c II op 




M 




i:.j.jy*»=^t 



THE OLD INDIAN C II A P K li, 

BETHLFHEM, PA., 1705. 



CIIAVTER II. 
TuE Descendants of Zinp.exdorf, Louis 
David de Schweixitz. — The Old Indian 
Chapel. — The Uxitv, Doctkine and Mis- 
sions OP THE Moravian Chuiich. — A List 
OF the Inhabitants of Dkthi.e'.iiem. — The 
Indian Tkoublks. 

(fi^jOvsy ZiNZENDOKF left Ijeliiiid him three 
C^j/'Jaughters, the only survivors of a family 
of twelve children, (si.t sons and as many 
daughters,) most of whom departed in in- 
fancy. The eldest, Henrietta Eenigna Jus- 
tina, became the consort of Baron John de 
Wattcville ; the second, Maria Agnes, of 
Maurice Count Dohna; the third, Klizabeth, 
of Baron Frederick do Wattcville. By the 
two alliances last mentioned, the Count has 
no surviving descendant; the only son of 
Count Dohna, Henry Lewis, having died 
without issue in 1S33. 

To Barou John do Wattcville, and his la<ly, 
were born two sons and two daughters ; the 
80113 died rnmarried; theelder of the daugh- 
ters, Anna 'Oorothy Elizabeth, was married 
to Hans Christian Alexander von Schwein- 
itz; the younger, Maria Justina, to Henry tho 
hy.'.\. Count Ileuss, of tho house of Kostritz. 
By these raa'.'riagcs there are now living four 
great grand-, iiildrcn of Count Zinzcndorf. 

Louis Davit' De ScLweiuitz, Doctor of Phi- 



losophy and the celebrated Botanist, was born 
in Bethlehem, Northampton County, Penn- 
sylvania, on the 13th of February, a. d. 17S0. 
He was the eldest son of Hans Christian Al- 
exander De Schweinitz, and his wife Anna 
Dorothea Elizabeth de AVatteville. His father 
was of an ancient and very distinguished 
family in Silesia, in Germany; became to 
this country in 1770, and filled at Bethlehem, 
the office of Superintendent of the fiscal and 
secular concerns of the Moravian Brethren 
in North America. 

On the 'Ith of July, 17S7, Louis David Do 
Schweinitz was placed at Nazareth Hall, to 
be educated, and remained there as a scholar 
ekicn years. About the year 1S22, he became 
the Senior Civilitof the Society, and also took 
charge of the Boarding School for young girls, 
at Bethlehem. He died February 8th, 1S3-J, 
and his remains are interred in the old Cem- 
etery. He left a widow and four sous, name- 
ly, the Rev'd Emil A. De Schweinitz, Fiscal 
Agent of the Moravian Church in North Car- 
olina; Rev'd Robert De Scliweinitz, Presi- 
dent of the rioviuciul Elders' Conference of 
the Moravian Church ; Edmund De Schwein- 
itz, Minister of the Church, and President of 
the Theological College at Bethlehem ; and 
Bernard De Schweinitz, deceased, who at the 
time of his death in ISJl, was Minister of the 
Moravian Church, on Statcn Island, New 



BETHLEHSM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



45 



the centre for the axles, and so they came 
into town. The women often came into town 
on horseback, without any saddles on their 
horses, and riding a-straddle, like men. 

The European settlers were few however, 
and thinly scattered around the adjacent 
country. Some of these were Irish, who, 
says Bishop Spaugeuberg, the Moravians 
dreaded more than the Indians. It was by 
them that the Moravians were tirst called 
Hernhutters. 

■ Mr. Ilenry, in his history of Lehigh Val- 
ley, says, that the establishment of the Mo- 
ravian congregations in America, had in 
view the single object of the propagating the 
gospel among the Indians. No doubt that 
was one of the objects of the Society, but not 
by any means the only one. They were 
desirous of escaping the persecutions in 
Europe, and were induced to emigrate to 
Georgia. From there they came to Bethlehem 
as stated, and thus it became from its beauti- 
ful position, fine climate, and the rapid in- 
crease of its population, the chief town of the 
Society, and naturally its central station, 
and as the Moravian church was, and still 
is a Mission church for the conversion of the 
heathen, it was from this place that the 
Brethren took their instructions from their 
superiors, and set out to the different mis- 
sions of the Society, on the Upper Lehigh, 
the Susquehanna, and finally into the dis- 
tant wilds of the Juniata, and the Alleghany 
mountains, as well as the inhospitable re- 
gions of the Ohio. Many of these mission 
posts, " Huts of Grace," as tbey were called ; 
originally thinly scattered through the wil- 
derness, have become in the present day, 
prosperous and largely populated towns. 

The Duke de Rochefoucault, in his travels 
in America in 1785, volume II., page 397, 
<fec., gives the following facts connected with 
the temporal government of the Church in 
Bethlehem, at that time. 

" In 1740, Count Zinzendorf purchased of 
Mr. 'William Allen, who held of William 
Penn, the district now called Bethlehem, 
with the view of founding there an estab- 
lishment for the Society of the Moravians. 
Although some trees were cut down in 1741, 



it was not until 1742 that the settlement was 
begun. One hundred and forty Moravian 
Brothers and Sisters arrived from Germany 
and settled there. These families were poor, 
had no other dependence but their labor, 
and everything was to be done to form a set- 
tlement in this desert. They lived there in 
one general community, contrary to the rulea 
and usages of their Societif, but only from the 
necessity of circumstances, which would 
have rendered the general progress of the 
Society more slow, and the situation of the 
individual families more inconvenient, if 
their labors and productions had been divid- 
ed. This deviation from the construction of 
the Unity, (for thus they call the whole So- 
ciety,) was prescribed by the Synod, which 
makes and alters the laws of the Moravian 
people. 

" Thus, under the orders of the chiefs of the 
congregation established at Bethlehem, they 
cleared the woods, made roads, and cultivat- 
ed the lands ; the women spun, wove, made 
their clothes, and prepared their victuals. 
One single will animated the whole, and the 
product of each individual labor served in- 
discriminately to support the whole Brother 
and Sisterhood. The fathers and mothers 
being constantly employed in labor, could 
not, without inconvenience to the communi- 
ty, give their attention to the children. The 
Society therefore, set apart some of the Sis- 
ters to take charge of the whole. The au- 
thority, however, and the superintendence 
of the parents, was neither taken away nor 
diminished. 

" At that time, even, notwithstanding their 
community of goods, the Brethren that re- 
ceived any money from their families or 
friends, had the predisposal of it. If any of 
them invested their property in the common 
stock, it was voluntary, and the efl'ect of a 
zeal and disinterested act, of which there 
were few examples. The Brethren possessed 
of any private property, had frequently their 
children with them; they clothed them bet- 
ter, and the care which they took of their 
infancy — a charge considered a relief by the 
Society — was a proof that at Bethlehem the 
children were not, as has been alleged, the 



46 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



property of the community, and that it was 
no part of the constitution to make members 
renounce all private property. 

" 111 proportion as the settlement advanced 
their labor became less urgent, and the vir- 
tues of man have nearly everywhere the 
same character. The active Brethren killed 
themselves with work, while the idle took 
little trouble. Those who reflected, discov- 
ered whatever fatigue they endured, their 
situation was nowise ameliorated, and that 
industry, the indisputable properly of every 
man, afforded them not a single advantage. 
Eedection, then had the same effect upon 
the industrious, as natural disposition had 
on the idle ; the ardor for labor no longer 
continued, and the society did not prosper, 
and most of its members were discontented. 
These joint considerations induced them, in 
1762, to change the system of the Society. 
The Society at Bethlehem was now estab- 
lished on the rules of the societies in Europe, 
and, agreeably to the new system, it has 
been regulated since that epoch, as well as 
all the other Moravian congregations estab- 
lished elsewhere in America. By the pres- 
ent ordinances, the communism of properly 
is done away in favor of the individuals, it 
only continues as to the government of the 
Society, and exists partially. 

" The territorial property, as well as the 
profits of the tavern, the store, the farms, 
the saw mill, the oil mill, corn mill and 
fulling mill, the tannery and the dyeing 
manufactory, belong to the Society, which, 
from these funds is enabled to provide for 
the poor, for the payment of debts, and of 
the public taxes. In all other respects every 
Brother enjoys the absolute property of 
whatever he can earn by his labor, be it 
what it may, and.of the gifts he may receive. 
The government of the Society is vested in 
the Bishop, the Minister, and the Intendant, 
and the Inspectors, male and female, of the 
different divisions of the Society, which are 
five in number; the young men unmarried, 
the unmarried Sisters, the widows, the mar- 
ried Brethren and Sisters, and the schools. 
The Intendant has the exclusive adminis- 



tration of the property of the Society, but he 
must advise with a committee composed of 
from eight to ten members chosen by the 
Brethren at large ; in the name of the Inten- 
dant they carry on all their transactions, 
grant leases of houses and lands, securities 
for borrowed money, discharges, Ac. AU 
the houses, however, erected in the town of 
Bethlehem, and the 4,000 acres belonging to 
it, are not the property of the Society, nor 
even the greater ])art of them ; they belong 
to the Brethren who have built upon the 
land, for which they j)ay rent to the Society. 
The amount of this rent is two pence the 
foot in front, by twenty feet in depth. The 
house built by the Brother is his absolute 
property ; hff can leave it to his wife or chil- 
dren, in the same way he can his other ef- 
fects, or he can sell it, only he cannot convey 
it but to a Brother who has obtained permis- 
sion from the Directory to buy it, with the 
burthen of the rent attached to it, and which 
perpetually remains. 

" The Directors having the government of 
the Society, must admit those only into their 
territory, who they think will not disturb 
the Society. In the contract of lease made 
by the Intendant with the advice of the 
committee, to those intending to build a 
house, or to those who purchase a house, it 
is always stipulated, that if the proprietors 
shall be desirous of quitting it, and shall not 
find a purchaser who may be agreeable to 
the Society, the Society is to purchase it at 
a price declared by law, which also fixes the 
terms of payment Garden ground, or land 
in the country, is let at six shillings the 
acre. 

" Besides the government farm appropriat- 
ed to Ihe benefit of the Society, there are six or 
seven smaller farms belonging to it. These 
are let to tenants who pay a third ])art of 
their produce, and who also pay six shillings 
rent for their garden grounds. These ten- 
ants are all at present Morr.vians. Some- 
times the farms are let to other persons, only 
the Society must be satisfied as to their 
character and behavior. The town of Beth- 
lehem is inhabited by between five and six 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



47 



hundred inhabitants, all of the Brother and 
Sisterhood," 

In the Bethlehem SouTenir, "a History 
of the rise, progress and present condition of 
the Bethlehem Female Seminary, by Wm. 
C. Ueichel," published in 1858, it is very 
justly remarked, that " the spirit of pious 
simplicity which characterised the social 
and religious regulations of the early Breth- 
ren, while it astonishes us at the present 
day, cannot fail to elicit admiration of their 
honesty of purpose and determination to 
live the life of ' every day' christians. No 
occasion, however trifling, but was sanctified 
with the ceremonies of religion." 

■•■ 111 connection with this pastoral sim- 
plicity mentioned, Spangenberg, in describ- 
ing Nazareth farm, iu 1746, in his own quaint 
style, says in regard to the Brethren and 
Sisters engaged there, ' Never, since the 
creation of the world, were there made and 
sung such lovely and holy shepherds, plough- 
ing, reapers, thrashing, spinners, knitters, 
sewers, washers and other laboring hymns, 
as by these people. An entire farmers' hymn 
book might be made by them.' " See Eis- 
ler'3 life of Spangenberg, page 221. 

James Henry, in his sketches of Moravian 
life and character, page 137, writes on this 
subject, that, " When travelling, the Mora- 
vian of patriarchal times had his ' Reiselie- 
der,' or travelling hymns. These, sung in 
the solitude of the chamber, before retiring 
or at rising in the morning, or jrerformed in 
agreeable chorus by several pilgrims, added 
solace to the journey, and if on a mission of 
evangelical labor, assuaged its toils and 
hardships." 
1 1 will be observed that the Moravians are es- 
sentially a musical people, even at the present 
day; although in the olden times music was 
more generally cultivated and used by them 
than at present. Hymns and music were 
used not only in the church and on all festival 
occasions, but in the family, at meals, in the 
fields, the work shop, and while travelling ; 
even yet the good customs in this regard 
have not passed away, and the Wicje lieiler, 
or cradle hymns, may yet be heard sung by 



the sweet voices of the little ones, iu the 
good old town of Bethlehem. 

On the ISth of September, 1792, the venera 
ble, beloved and celebrated Bishop Augustus 
(Gottlieb) Spangenberg, died in the 89th year 
of his age, having been born on the 15th of 
July, 1704. The Bishop was, during twenty 
years of his life, from 1742 to 1762, the vir- 
tual head and superintendant of the ^lora- 
vian atTairs in America; he was educated for 
the Lutheran Church, and became a Pl-ofes- 
sor of Divinity at the University of Halle, 
in 1731, (having received his degree at the 
University of Jena, which he entered in 
1722,) and was discharged the next year, his 
views in religious matters not being agreea- 
ble to the direction. He then attached him- 
self at once to the Moravian church, and be- 
came Zinzendorf's assistant at Hernhut, and 
finally a Bishop of the Unity, and in influ- 
ence second only to the Count. He was emi- 
nently qualified for the performance of the 
onerous duties devolving on him in the in- 
fant days of the Society in America, during 
the Indian troubles, and in the pecuniary 
difficulties with which the church had at 
first to struggle. 

In a note to jjage 9, of the history of Naza- 
reth Hall, it is alleged that, " A century 
ago it was the custom for its Bishops (of the 
Moravian church,) to take official names," 
and a note from Spangenberg to Brother 
Rogers, dated July 19th, 1760, and signed 
" Joseph," is given in evidence to prove tho 
assertion ; but no other instance is men- 
tioned, and no other authority adduced for 
the statement. The learned author of that 
book has been led into an error by making 
the peculiar case of Spangenberg, a general 
one. The Moravian Bishops did not as a 
rule, nor even as a common practice, assume 
official names. The case of Spangenberg is 
an exception. He had generally acquired 
among all his Brethren the name of '■ Jos- 
eph," for the reason, " that he cared so well 
for his Brethren ;" in this way, he became 
generally well known by his Brethren as 
" Brother Joseph ;" and finally assumed ita3 
an official name, signing himself simply 



48 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



" Joscpli." It was at that time very usual 
for the Bretlircn to use simply their first or 
given uamcs in addressing each other by 
letter, as it is even now the custom among 
inlimato friends. Joseph, is a Hebrew 
name, signifying, "lie shall add." The 
name of GaiiHtl, means in English, God-luvc. 
In Kilter's history of the Moravian church 
in rhiladelphia, is a portrait of the eminent 
Bishop, " Brother Joseph," with a/nc aimile 
of his signature, thus, " JoncpU, aUua, Awjm- 
ins Gottlieb Span<jcuhcrg," 

In the published transactiins of the Mo- 
ravian Historical Society, in the year 1868, 
page 72 ; in a note, it is said that the name 
of" Brother Joseph" was given to Spangen- 
berg by Count Zinzendorf, as an affectionate 
appellation, "on account of the excellent care 
he always took of his Brethren." If this is 
60, it finally disposes of the statement that 
the Bishops of the Moravian church in for- 
mer times took official names. 

The printed transactions above referred to, 
are contained in a ])amphletof 80 pages. It 
is the first publication ever issued by tlie 
Society, which is located at Nazareth. 

In the year 1857, a number of Moravian 
gentlemen met together at Nazareth, in 
Pennsylvania; and formed au association, 
to V. hich they gave the name of " The Mo- 
ravian Historical Society;" having for its 
object the elucidation of the history of the 
Moravian church in America, in particular, 
and the history of the church in general, 
and its missions, wherever situated. 

In the month of November, A. D., 1S5S, the 
Nazareth congregation of the United Breth- 
ren, ]iresented the Society with a room in 
the old stone mansion known as the " White- 
field House," erected in the year 1743, and 
in this building the Society have ever since 
held their annual and special meetings. 
Nothing can be more interesting or charm- 
ing, than to attend the annual Vesperof the 
Historical Society at Nazareth. The mem- 
bers are accompanied by their wives and 
daughters; all partake of a meal ; and after 
the cakes and coffee, a veritable "love feast," 
historical papers are read, during which the 



men smoke ami listen, and the women sew 
or are quietly attentive; many pleasant stor- 
ies of old times are told ; and only darkness 
breaks up the happy circle. 

On the 25th of June, 1792, Bethlehem hav- 
ing stood fifty years, or half a century, the 
occasion was celebrated by a " Love Feast," 
and a pyramid was placed in the enclosure 
where the reservoir of the " Sister's House" 
now stands, which was decorated with scar- 
let, coclico, pink, blue and while ribbons, em- 
blematic of all the choirs in the congregation. 
In the evening a procession, consisting of the 
whole congregation, passed through all the 
streets of the town, accompanied by music. 
The settlement of the town was commenced, 
as is well known, before the 25th of June, 
1842, but the comijlete organization of the 
congregation as such, dates from that time. 

The Lehigh Bridge Company of Bethle- 
hem was incorporated in the year 17112. The 
bridge then erected was an uncovered struc- 
ture, made of wood, but built in the most 
substantial manner, resting on three stone 
piers, with a side walk, similar to the pres- 
ent ones; for foot passengers; and the old 
rope ferry was then abandoned. The view 
from this old bridge is represented to have 
been impressively beautiful, but few build- 
ings were erected near the stream, none 
were on the south side of the river but the 
"Old Crown Inn;" so there was nothing to 
obstruct the vision, or to take away the beau- 
ty of the scene. The river, its banks cover- 
ed with verdure ; the surrounding hills and 
mountains, covered with the forest trees ; the 
islands, so dear to every Bethlehemite, and 
Bartow's path winding along beside the rip- 
pling waters of the Lehigh, formed a picture 
of quiet repose and wild beauty, seldom, if 
ever equalled. Modern improvements have 
partially destroyed, but not entirely eradi- 
cated all traces of the former beauty of the 
scene. The freshet of the Sth of January, 
1841, washed away the old structure, the 
wood work of which had become gray with 
age, and worn with travel. During the same 
year the present covered bridge was built, 
the southern half of which was washed away 
by the freshet of June Sth, 18C2, caused by the 



EETnLEHEAI, PENXSYLVANIA. 



49 



breaking of the dams of the Lehigh Naviga- 
tion Company, above Mauch Chunk ; heavy 
and continuous rains occurred on the 3rdx)f 
the month, in the mountains, and the splen- 
did dams used to feed the Lehigh Canal, gave 
"U'ay one after another, before the great pres- 
sure of the water, the dam No. 4, at White 
Haven, being the first to break. The destruc- 
tion of property was enormous, and the loss 
of life very serious. The dams were never 
rebuilt. A very interesting pamphlet was 
printed in 1S6.3, giving incidents of the fresh- 
ets. That portion of the bridge destroyed 
was soon rebuilt, and the new part roofed 
with slate. 

The American Gazeteer, printed in 1797, 
Bays of Bethlehem : " It is a celebrated set- 
tlement of the Jloravians, or United Breth- 
ren, of the Protestant Episcopal church, as 
they term themselves. It is situated on the 
Lehigh River, a western branch of the Dela- 
ware, iifty-three miles northerly from Phila- 
delphia, and eighteen southerly from the 
Wind-'jap. The town stands partly on the 
lower banks of the Manakes, a fine creek, 
which affords trout and other fish. The 
situation is healthful and jileasant, and in 
the summer is frequented by gentry from 
dilTerent parts. In 17S7 there were 60 dwel- 
ling houses of stone, well built, and 600 in- 
habitants. Besides the Meeting House, are 
three other public buildings, large and spa- 
cious ; one for single Brethren, one for single 



Sisters, and the other for the Widows. The 
literary establishments, as well as the relig- 
ious regulations, here deserve notice. In a 
house adjoining the church, is a school for 
females ; and since 17S7, a boarding school 
for young ladies, who are sent here from 
dififerent parts, and are instructed in reading 
and writing, (in the English and German 
tongues,) grammar, arithmetic, geography, 
needle-work, music, i-c. The Minister of 
the place has the direction of this, as well as 
the boys' school, which is kept in a separate 
house, where they are initiated in the funda- 
mental branches of literature. These schools, 
especially that for young ladies, are deser- 
vedly in high rejjute; and scholars more 
than can be accorarao<lated, are offered from 
all parts of the United States. 

" There is a genteel tavern at the north 
end of the town, the profit arising from which 
belongs to the Society. There is also a store, 
with a general assortment of goods, an apothe- 
cary's shop, a grist mill, and on the banks of 
the Lehigh, a brewery. 

" The Lehigh River rises in Northampton 
County, Pa., about twenty-one miles east of 
Wyoming Falls, in the Susquehanna River 
and taking a circular course, passing through 
the Blue Mountains, empties into the Dela- 
ware River on the south side of Easton, eleven 
milesnortheast of Bethlehem. It runs about 
seventy-five miles." 



;.) 



niSTORICAL SKDTrn OF 




THE FIRST MORAVIAN STORE, 

EKTHLEnEM, PA. 



ciiArTER vn. 

TnK First Moravian SrortE.-^DKTnLr.nnM ix 
ir97, PROM Ogdes's ExcnnsioN into Cetr- 

LEHEM AND NaZARETH. — ThE AnCIENT Ix- 

STiTrrioNS OP' the Brethren's CnrRcir. 

I H E illustration which heads this cha]>- 
ter, is a correct representation of the 
first more belonging to the Moravian congre- 
gation of Bethlehem, cojiied from one of M. 
A. Kleckner's photograjihs. It was origi- 
nally kept hy Willium JMmonds, an Eng- 
lishman, and a Moravian, who came to Am- 
erica in 17C3. This ancient structure, erected 
in the substantial style of the last century, 
is s'.ill standing, and is situated on Market 
Street, immediately opposite to the western 
gate of the old Graveyard, on t'lo north side 
of the Street; no information can be obtained 
as to the time when it was built, but it must 
have been during the earlier days of the 
Bettlomcnt of the town, as the " new alore," 
now the Ea^lo Hotel, which was the second 
building occupied as a store by the Society, 



was erected in ITivl. Christian R. Ileckc- 
welder was the store-keeper after the remo- 
val, for many years ; then, Owen Kicc, 
senior, had charge, and was succeeeded by 
his son, Owen Rice, junior. In 1S22 the 
store was removed to the building now oc- 
cupied by thefirmof Wolle, Krause i Erwin, 
(he successors of Augustus Wolle, to whom 
the church in 1S3S, sold the stock and busi- 
ness. 

In the "first store," the salesroom was in 
the western apartment of the building, ,the 
house being a double structure,) and can be 
easily recognized in the cut by its large win- 
do%v, with diamond-shaped panels of glass. 
Some of the nails and spikes used in the 
erection of the store, and which were taken 
out in altering it into a dwelling house, have 
been preserved as curiosities, from their 
immense size. The house, judging from the 
thickness of its walls, would have made a 
good fort in the olden times ; it will now 
make a good stono quarry, for it has been 
allowed to go to ruin, aUhough situated on 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



51 



one of the finest building sites in Bethlehem. 
It is a quaint old building, very picturesque 
and beautiful. 

The old store room is now occupied tem- 
porarily as an office, by Captain Owen Luc- 
kenl)ack. Collector of U. S. Internal Revenue 
for the 11th District of Pennsylvania. 

The dwelling house next door to the east, 
adjuiuiiig the " old store," was built in 
17jO, and was the first building erected on 
Market Street. It was the residence of Timo- 
thy Ilorsfield, an English Moravian, a noted 
and influential man in his day, a Justice of 
the Peace, and an eccentric character. His 
remains repose in the northwestern part of 
the old Cemetery, in the third grave from 
the west path, in the first row, on the north- 
ern side of the second walk from Market 
Street; and upon the tombstone the following 
words are inscribed. 

TIMOTHY HORSFIELD, 
Born April 25, 1708, 

IN LIVERPOOL, OLD ENGLAND, 
Departed March 9, 1773. 

Some of his descendants, (great-grand- 
children, by the name ofKummer,) are at this 
time, living in Bethlehem, and his old resi- 
dence is now occupied by the widow of the 
late John Oerterj and is a substantial old 
two-story stone house, with massive walls 
like the old building next door. 

The following graphic account of Bethle- 
hem and its inhabitants, is copied from an 
old work now out of print, entitled, "An 
Excursion into Bethlehem and Nnzareth, in 
Pennsylvania, in the year 1799, icith a succinct 
History of the Society of the United Brethren, 
commonly called Moravians, by John 0. Of/den, 
a Presbyter in the Protestant Episcopal Chnrch 
in the United States, printed by Charles Cist, 
No, 104 North Second Street, near the corner of 
Race Street, Philadelphia, 1800." 

The writer says " The town of Bethlehem 
is approached through a large wood, and we 
beheld it with agreeable surprise, at some 
distance from the summit and slope of high 
grounds, which are formed parallel to two 
rivers or streams. The bridge, built in 1791, 
across the Lehigh, being out of repair, it was 



needful to pass the ford, which is safe and 
easy. The flat grounds open a way to the 
hill, which is ascended by two principal 
streets, the road being adorned by trees. A 
large and acceptable inn was reached before 
the setting of the sun, and an interesting 
chain of objects presented to call forth curi- 
osity and enquiry on our part. 

" A venerable man, one of the fathers of 
this town, is devoted chiefly to attendance 
upon strangers, that the hours of business 
among the inhabitants may not be unneces- 
sarily disturbed by visitants, or the stranger 
be under undue restraint and embarrassment 
for want of a guide who would give full in- 
dulgence to a prudent curiosity. 

" The inn is a stone building, with four 
large rooms on the first, second and third 
floors. Those on the second and third floor, 
arc in part sub-divided into two small, and 
one large room. In this way, parties or 
gentlemen with servants, are accommodated 
almost as sejiarate families. Fifty persons 
may be quartered here conveniently. 

" Mr. Thomas indulged us with his com- 
pany around the village. This benevolent 
attendant upon visitors is possessed of a large 
share of that primeval simplicity which be- 
comes an Israelite indeed. He is saluted 
with asmile,and softword of affcetion, under 
the paternal title of Daddy. The morning 
after our arrival, he introduced me to the 
Bishop, an aged grave personage, of great 
suavity of manner, such as embellish a father 
in the Church, and become that primitive 
sincere Christianity, which is professed by 
this Society. Assuming no pomp, he appears 
to live only to do good, and make others 
happy. His residence is in the Congrega- 
tional House, devoted to the Clergy, and 
united to the Chapel. Being a widower, his 
daughter is mistress of the family. His an- 
swers to enquiries were made with frankness 
and very acceptably. These related to the 
foundation, principles and economy of tlie 
Brethren, and the general state of their aifairs 
throughout America. 

*' It appears tluit this is a branch of the 
Greek Church, which has preserved Episco- 
pal succession, with care and circumspection 



52 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



holding nn union with their Synoils abroad. 
Throo Bishops reside in the United States. 
This person's name is Ettwine. 

" Obtaining permission to visit him when- 
ever his time would permit, we parted. Not, 
however, belore ho had favored us with a 
view of the Chapel, and a contiguous Hall. 
The first is a plain arched room, furnished 
with paintings upon canvass, between the 
windows. These present the most distin- 
guished events in the history of our Lord, 
beginning with the visitation of the Angel 
to Mary, antl the Nativity, and ending with 
ihe Crucifi.xion, Resurrection, and Ascension. 

" The seats for the attendants arc movable 
and divided into two parcels, one for the 
men and another for the women. No pomp, 
no display of pride, ostentation or wealth, 
are attempted. An organ is in the gallery, 
and other instruments of music are often 
joined with it on festival.'.. 

" The second apartment was a Hall adorn- 
ed with portraits, a half length of Zinzen- 
dorf, and about twenty of the most distin- 
guished ministers and missionaries of this 
fraternity, who have served among them, 
from their first establishment in America. 
Portraits of some of the wives of these de- 
ceased Ministers, who had attended them in 
their missions, Are also seen in this Hall. 

" From these scenes we passed into the 
house devoted to the single sisters. One of 
them being called to attend us, we saw their 
habitation. They have rooms in this ' Sis- 
ter's House,' of about twenty feet square, in 
which six or eight women make their resi- 
dence by day. The employments of spin- 
ning, reeling of cotton, embroidery, painting 
and schooling, are in separate rooms. In 
the needle work they excel in figure and 
shades, both with silk and cotton. 

" The Chapel of this choir has an organ 
and several jjieces of instrumental music, 
which are played upon by the Sisterhood at 
their devotions. Indeed, in almost every 
room we saw some musical instrument, an 
organ, harpsichord, or piano-forte. These 
are in many private families in this settle- 
ment and other villages. 



*• Devotions are attended every morning. 
An Kldress presides and officiates. She 
sometimes delivers a lecture upon piety and 
morals. We were permitted to see the dor- 
mitory, in which forty of these women sleep 
in an upper story. This is a large, lofty, 
airy room, with a lamp suspended in the 
centre, which burns during the night ; over 
it is a ventilator in the wall, which causes 
the circulation of fresh air. 

" Before wo left this house, we visited a 
room called the Store, in which are deposited 
upon shelves, and in large drawers, collec- 
tions of the sijecimens of female industry, 
which they constantly vend. 

" Our design was to have seen the Female 
School, erected fur, and devoted to the in- 
struction of children from other parts of the 
States, and the West India islands ; with the 
girls of the fraternity, who arc of the same 
age. But the accusti med hour for this priv- 
ilege had not arrived, and the friendly at- 
tendant took ijie to the great reservoir or 
conduit, which receives the water from Ihe 
machinery at the bottom of the hill, and 
conveys it by pipes under ground, to many 
public places. 

" In a building formed as a pyramid, 
about fifty feet in height, we saw the pipes 
which convey water to the tavern, the con- 
gregation. Sister's, Widow's, Brother's, and 
several other houses. We ascended by lad- 
ders to the upper part of this edifice, and 
saw the summit to which the water was, and 
yet might be conveyed. The constant cur- 
rent prevents freezing in the winter. 

" From thence we went to the Common 
School for boys, who are under the care of 
masters in a house adjoining that of the 
Brothers. These children are taught read- 
ing, writing, arithmetic, and accounts, as 
well as the catechism, and music connected 
with the religion and devotion. 

" Ournext visit was to the Brothers' House, 
which is but a counterpart to that of the Sis- 
ters'. Its hall for prayers, apartments for 
tradesmen, and a dormitory, are in different 
stories of this building. They have their 
meals together, in general, some take their 
dinners only at the common table. Ap- 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



5S 



prentices frequently board with their mas- 
ters in the town. They all sleep in the com- 
mon dormitory, and every one in a separate 
bed. 

** Their morning and evening devotions 
are under the direction of a single Brother 
or a clergymen. The office of Warden, and 
that of this clergymen, are often united in 
one person, when the number of inhabitants 
S, in such houses is small, as is at present in 

Bethlehem, Nazareth and Lititz. All boys 
from the age of twelve, reside here, as well 
as all the unmarried men, unless the cir- 
cumstances of a parent require the presence 
of his children. 

" From a walk on the top of this house we 
were entertained with a view of the gardens, 
neighboring fields, mountains, and the rivers 
Lehigh and Manakasy. The mountain in 
the rear descending gradually to the lower 
grounds, and heightening the view by its 
verdure. 

" The variety of walks, rows of trees, and 
the plenty with which the gardens and 
meadows were stored, displayed taste, in- 
dustry, and economy. To preserve the banks 
the common willow is planted, and not suf- 
fered to grow to a great height. 

" The Manakasy is crossed by four bridg- 
es, for the convenience of the gardens and 
other places, besides two others, one above 
andanotherbelow the road and gardens. The 
sloping banks formed by nature, and the 
walks by which we mount the hill, prepared 
by labor, join their varieties to convert this 
fertile spot into the appearance of a pleasure 
garden. 

" In a plain gallery or summer house on 
the side of this hill, built for the shelter of 
the children, who may be permitted to re- 
create themselves in a rainy or sultry dav, 
was an aged missionary busy in preserving 
certain seeds and raedicaLherbs ; retired from 
the labors of his functions for many years, 
among the Indians, he resides in a part of 
the Congregation House. 

"The hour being convenient for visiting 
the Girls' School, so much celebrated, a 
pleasing groupe appeared in different rooms. 



under the care of their tutresses, where 
they learn reading, writing, arithmetic, em- 
broidery, drawing and music. 

" Since the applications to receive pupils 
from abroad have become so frequent and 
numerous, a new building has been erected 
for their use, upon a similar model with the 
Sister's House. A small court yard or grass 
plot is between these buildings. In the rear 
of this is another small enclosure, which 
forms a broad grass walk, and is skirted on 
each side by beds devoted to flowers, which 
the girls cultivate as their own. 

" In the vicinity of the Chapel is a Corpse 
House, designed to receive the body previ- 
ous to the sepulchre, in order to relieve 
the poor, and those whose houses arc small, 
or when the deceased fell a prey to some in- 
fectious disorder. After this, in suitable 
weather, it is attended with great solemnity 
to a grave yard ujMn the summit of a hill. 

" That neatness and decency which mark 
everything here, are conspicuous in the 
place of burial. It is surrounded partly 
with a stone wall, towards the street, where it 
cannot be enlarged, partly with a neat 
wooden fence, on those sides where it may 
be extended from time to time. The graves 
are laid out in perfect order, and each forms 
a tlat hillock. The grave stones are about 
fourteen inches square, and present only 
the name, age, and native country of the 
persons, without any other monumental epi- 
taphs or ornaments. This stone lies upon 
the grave. The departed members of the 
different choirs or orders are buried together 
in separate rows. The funerals are attended 
with great decorum. The females are dressed 
in white, and black is not worn as mourning. 

" My guide, Mr. Thomas, brought for my 
amusement, Mr. Brailsford's experimental 
dissertations on the chemical and medical 
properties of the Nicotiana Tohaccum of Liit- 
nccue, commonly known by the name of To- 
bacco. 

*' This disposition to oblige, has made Mr. 
Thomas very dear to all who are acquainted 
with him. In the Bishop's apartment in the 
Brothers' and Sisters' Houses, in the schools, 
and among the inhabitants and strangers he 



54 



II I S T i; I C A L SKETCH V 



is saluted by all, wilU the greatest respect 
auJ atVoction. In tlio girls' school, in par- 
ticular, ho was received with peculiar atten- 
tion by the instructresses ana pujiils. Ujion 
the visits of their parents, ho escorts them, 
that they may not pass the streets alone. 
This he punctually observes in the evenings. 

" The cloistered life and single stale of the 
nuns in the Uoman ('atholic countries have 
been subjects of many remarks. The insti- 
tutions here are not of that nature, as the 
women marry, and the single sisters walk 
abroad and visit their friends and neighbors 
when they think projier. 

"The instructresses are treated with duo 
respect. All females arc educated by them, 
but all do not leave their fathers' houses, 
and families, to enter the Sisters' Uouso as 
residents. 

" At one end of tlie room, in wliich we saw 
the portraits of Zinzcndorf, the ministers 
and missionaries, a painting on canvass is 
hung, which presents the divine Saviour in 
the clouds, attended by angels, descending 
from the superior regions, and surrounded 
by the various converts among the heathen, 
who were the first fruits of the Brethren's 
missions. 

" Among the varied enjoyments of this 
settlement, is a pleasant walk on the banks 
of the river Lehigh. Nature has furnished 
B shade by means of the trees which grow 
near the margin. But this is improved by 
a row of locust trees between them and the 
road or walk. Thus, a thick shade is made 
for almost the whole day. Seats are placed 
for rest, and to enable the visitors to view 
the river at leisure. An island also a-ssists 
to give beauty and variety, as well as to 
afford a retired bathing place. Not far from 
these seats, and in full view, is a large bridge, 
supported by piers of stone, and some farm 
houses on the opposite shore. Canoes are 
stationed here, for conveying such as wish 
to visit the island, which is frequently done. 

" Near the river is a large brew-house, and 
bathing-room, devoted to the female schools. 
This last is surrounded and sheltered by 
trees in every direction. No one goes into 
the water without suitable bathing clothes, 



and attendants. A clear stream, convenient 
shoal and bottom render the place safe au<l 
useful. 

" At some distance in the rear, behind the 
trees, is a distillery and saw mill, whose 
works are set in motion by the small stream 
of the Monakasy. The mechanism of these 
works is not j)eculiar. 

'•The Widows' House, wo were t«ld, was 
conducted upon the same plan with those of 
the single brethren and sisters, lletired 
from the world and in the decline of years, 
their quiet is seldom disturbed by the visit 
of strangers. This is signified as their wisl;. 

** The following morning we visited the 
more laborious employments in this colony, 
such as those of the grist, oil, fulling, hull- 
ing, snuff and bark mills. 

" These works are erected under the banks 
westof the town, upon the waters of the Mon- 
akasy, whoso stream is not large, but the 
water is husbanded with great care, as it 
passes through the various reservoirs, pent 
stocks and wheel works ; the waters of this 
stream decrease yearly. 

" The spring which furnishes the town is 
at the foot of this hill, and enclosed within 
a small stone vault or cellar. It affords a 
redundancy of water, which is raised to the 
height of one hundred and twenty-five feet, 
by forcing pumps, which are in constant 
movement, by means of a small water wheel 
supplied from the Manakasy. The main 
tube which conveys the water is of lead, and 
of the diameter of four inches. It is so cold 
that the hand cannot rest upon it but for a 
few scconils. 

" The brewery is a large building, not far 
from the river and bridge. It furnishes two 
kinds of beer, which are purchased by the 
Inhabitants of the neighboring settlements. 

" While the society of the Brethren were 
few in number, and a combination of labors 
and interests were needful to make settle- 
ments, property was held in common. This 
rule is now broken down in pmi, and indi- 
viduals may follow their private and sepa- 
rate business, retain a station with the 
Brotherhood, an<l receive the benefits re- 
sulting from the public property, and public 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



55 



institutions, according to known and estab- 
lished rules. They appear to be a projpor- 
OU3, but not a rich people. 

" The Widows' House is more immediately 
the object of public care. Forty are in it at 
present. Many of them were the wives of 
the Ministers and Missionaries. Funds are 
connected with this institution, which arise 
from deposits of a certain sum, paid annually 
by their late husbands, and as a fee at en- 
tering into the order of ministers. 

" These women are industrious, and treated 
with great respect. Making Bethlehem the 
asylum for aged minister^, their wives, cliil- 
dren and widows, alfords an opportunity 
for gaining information from every quarter, 
and explanations of facts and events con- 
nected with the general welfare. 

"Seasons are ajipropriatcd to the reading 
of letters and reports, from every part of the 
world, in order to cultivate a general regard 
for every branch of their church. 

" The afternoon being pleasant, I visited 
the island above the bridge. It is not large. 
but alTords fine walks and an area for exer- 
cise, as well as seats and shelters for visitors. 
Tea parties sometimes select this for an ex- 
cursion on a pleasant day. The locust trees 
are planted here to assist in forming shade. 

" It may contain twelve acres, and is 
caj)able of receiving many improvements 
which wealth and fancy might suggest and 
form for embellishment. A small school of 
boys with their preceptor, were on a ramble 
here, after their hours of study. Walking 
appears to be the principal recreation fir all 
ages and both sexes. On our return to the 
main land, wo met another party from the 
female school, with their tutresses, walking 
in the gardens on the banks of the Lehigh. 

" This evening we went to devotions at the 
Chapel. Previous to the arrival of the min- 
ister, a voluntary was played upon the organ. 
While this was doing, the Bishop came and 
took his seat under the gallery, at the head 
of a number of elderly men, some of whom 
had been missionaries. This appeared to be 
the only seat of distinction for him and the 
clergy. 
• " We were placed as strangers on a similar 



seat, next the wall, on the riglit hand of tli ' 
minister. One half of this chapel is devoted 
to men, and the other to women. Each 
choir or fraternity, and sisterhood, sit tj- 
gether. The children, both boys and girls, 
are placed in the seats in front of their res- 
pective sexes. 

" The minister upon reaching his seat 
near a table, opposite the middle aisle, gave 
out a psalm in German, line by line, which 
was sung by the whole congregation. He 
then read a chapter in German, out of the 
Gospel, and a second hymn was sung, ac- 
companied also by the organ, and the as- 
sembly was dismissed with a benediction. 
The whole congregation stood until the min- 
ister left the Chapel. He was followed by 
the Bishop and other old men, and then the 
congregation at large, the men passing out 
at one door and the women at the other. 
The gravity, decorum and melody in this 
place are nioreeasily imagined than describ- 
ed. 

" In the shop of the barber, who is also a 
shoemaker, were glass globes filled with 
water. In the evenings they are hung 
around a lamp, according to the number 
who want light. This increases the bright- 
ness occasioned by the lamp, the glass and 
water, equal almost to the light of day. 
These globes are used by the stocking weav- 
ers and other mechanics, and by such as 
sew by night. 

"In the public buildings and most other 
houses, we find German stoves, made of tile, 
which are in general use. Some are totally 
formed of tile, and others are part of cast 
iron. These last are in greatest esteem on 
all accounts, as they are not so liable to be 
injured by putting in of wood by careless 
persons ; the tiles upon the top are so placed 
as to form a species of flue, in perpendicular 
and horizontal forms, which retains the 
heat, while it circulates longer, and heats a 
room more pleasantly and more durably 
than sheet iron. 

" In the building of the potter who makea 
the tile f)r this stove, he was employ.^d m 
making cheap pijies of clay, w)uch are in 



56 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



great use among the Germans, and ought to 
bo extemled for the purpose of ]iutling an 
end to the importation of those articles. 

" Oa Sunday I attended divine worship in 
the Chapel, and had an opportunity care- 
fully to observe the mode of worship. l>i- 
vine service began at nine o'clock. The 
members of the Society and diirerent choirs 
were present, and in their respective seats. 
According to an universal practice, the or- 
ganist played a voluntary previous to the 
arrival ()f the minister, and beginning with 
their eliurch litany. This ccimpendium of 
devotions is not unlike that of the English 
church, but bears a greater affinity to the 
Lutheran, it is composed of short sentences, 
versicles, and responses read or sung alter- 
nately by the minister and congregation, 
the resjiouses made with tlie aid of Die organ 
and singers. 

" The congregation .appeared in plain hab- 
its, tlie minister in his accustomed garb, 
withoutgown,robo, or surplice. The women 
were generally dressed in white, anddifTerent 
colored badges distinguished the respective 
orders or choirs. All of them wear a white 
cap, and under the chin a ribbon. That of 
the widows is whitc^ of married women hlite, 
and the single sisters pink or red, 

"After the celebriitiou of this litany, the 
congregation retired for the space of an half 
hour, when the bell was rung, wliich was 
tho signal for the attendance of the children 
and schools upon a service in English. This 
was introduced by the organ and a psalm, 
followed by a sermon, and succeeded by 
another psalm. 

" The female school now took the scats gene- 
rally occupied by tho single sisters, and the 
sermon was principally addressed to youth. 
After this the children gave place and took 
possession of the seats at the further end of 
the Chapel, and those who were present be- 
fore the litany, with others, came to attend 
offices, which were in German. The order 
was an hymn, ])raycr, sermon, psalm, and 
benediction. 

" This Society observes tho accustomed 
festivals and solemn days of the church. 
Certain meetings are peculiarly set apart for 



reading a lesson out of tlje bible. After tho 
sermon the meeting is con<-luded with the 
Lord's prayer, an hymn, and the usual bless- 
ing. 

" Sunday is entirely devoted to religion. 
In the afternoon communications from dis- 
tant congregations were read, and in the 
evening a sermon was delivered by a minis- 
ter about to set out on a mission. 

" Discourses are delivered from time to 
time, at these meetings, to married people, 
v.'idowers, widows, single brethren, single 
sisters, and the children. 

All tho congregations call themselves The 
i'nilae Fralrnm, or Protestant United Breth- 
ren of the Augustan Confession. They re- 
ceive the Koly Scriptures of the Old and 
New Testament, as the only standard, both 
of the doctrine and practice of the Unity. 

" The first emigrants into England and 
America, removed from Moravia, from 
whence the have commonly obtained the 
name of Moravians." 

It would not be within the scope of a work 
like the present, to go into any details re- 
garding the government of the Ch''ch, their 
community of goods, and the reason there- 
for, in the early days of the settlement of 
Bethlehem ; but the foregoing extracts have 
been made to give a general insight into the 
manners, habits and customs of the commu- 
nity of tho Brethren in those ancient times. 
Many radical changes have since then been 
made in all these matters, but few of the 
old customs have been preserved entirely 
unchanged, and in manner of living, and 
habits of life, and in dress, the members of 
the Society in no wise differ from other peo- 
ple of our day in America. 

Of tho ancient institutions of the Church 
in Bethlehem, only the Widows' and Sisters' 
Houses remain in operation ,- and it is to be 
hoped that they will ever be continued as 
homes for the aged single sisters and widow- 
ed mothers of the Brethren, where, safe and 
secure from the cold charity of the world, 
they may live in quiet comfort, and pass their 
delining years in peace, happiness and con- 
tentment, carefully guarded and cherished. 



BETHLEHEM, P E N N S T L V A X I A. 



57 




THE MORAVIAN CHURCH, 

BETHLEHEM, PA. 



CIIAPTEIi VIII. 

PjsscRinios OF THK Large Moravian Chcrch, 

ERECTED IN 1803. — ThE BeTHLEHEM ArCHI- 

YEs. — The Gkmein Haus, or. Congregation 
House. — The First Moravian Chirch in 
Bethlehem.— The Old Chapel, or Second 
Church.— The Old School, oh the First 
Moravian Seminary for Females. — The 
OrnciAL Seal of the Church of the 
United Brethren. — The Addition to the 
Old School. — " The Sisters' House." — 
The " Widows' House." — Origin of the 
Sisters' Houses.— Marriage by Lot. — 
Lieut. Aubery's Opinion. — Explanation 
of the Lot. — Account of it in the His- 
torical Collections cf New Jersey. — 
The "Great Marriage Act" in Bethle- 
hem, April 20, 1757. — Miss Mortimer's 
Novel of the Marrying by Lot. — Mar- 
ried Women, and Ancient Customs. — Re- 
marks IN Stroud's History of Pa. — Act 
of Parliament of 20 George 2nd, C. 
44, for the Naturalization of Foreign 
ProtestantSj Ac. 



his chapter is illustrated with .a fine 
view of the large and handsome Jfo- 
ravlan Cluiich, .situated at the corner of Main 
and Church Streets, and the Oeiitein HauSf 
taken from an old drawing found among the 
papers of an old inmate of the " Sisters' 
House," lately deceased. Sister Sally Ilors- 
field. In the drawing, the roof of the church 
is represented as it was originally construc- 
ted, but which was afterwards altered to its 
present form, as it leaked during all rain 
storms. The erection of the church was 
commenced in 1803, as is set forth on its 
vane, but it was not completed till 180G, 
when it was said to be the largest house 
for religious worship in Pennsylvania. The 
cost of the edifice was $60,000; and in 
1803, when it was begun, the community 
had only a population of 580 souls. It is 
the third building in which the Moraviana 
have held their religious services in Bethle- 
hem. From the centre of the roof rises 
a belfry, containing a fine toned bell, the 
cupola is surmounted by a spire, the base 



53 



IIISTOKirAT, PKKTOn OF 



of llio belfry is oecupii'il liy a clock wliich 
strikes the hours and the quarters. Ii\ 
tile eastern end of the biiihling are seve- 
ral largo apartments, one of which is for tlio 
use of the Ministers t)f the ehunrh, and in 
auotiicr there are preserved portraits of Count 
Zinzendorf, and other celebrated Fathers of . 
the church, and their wives, together with 
the historical records relating to the Society, 
the church, and the town. In the centre of 
the building is the auditorium, with a pnljjit 
at the eastern end, and in a gallery at llie 
we^eru end there is a line organ, with am- 
ple room fi»r the singers, and several rows of 
seats for the congregation, under this gallery 
are several rooms, used iu jireparing eoli'ee 
for the " Love Feasts ;" in them can be seen 
some antique chairs and tables, that have 
done the church some service. 

The Moravians of Bethlehem have care- 
fully preserved all the records relating to 
the settlement of the town, as well as all 
books, papers and documents regarding the 
history of the Church, and its missions ; 
these precious records arc stored in a largo 
room in the second story of the eastern ])or- 
tion of the large church just described, the 
apartment has a lofty arched ceiling, with 
four windows to admit the light; on one side 
of the room is the shelving which holds the 
library, estimated at about 2,000 volumes, 
of old, rich, rare, and curious works, all 
bearing upon the history of the " I'liilus 
Fratrum.'* Those books are of inestimable 
value. Here arc to be found all the publica- 
tions of the Society ; a full collection of t)ie 
writings of Count Zinzendorf, the Liturgies 
of the church, and the hymns used at diller- 
ent i)eriods. A rare set of old Bibles, in 
several different languages, numerous works 
of the Fathers of the church of the United 
Brethren, and many valuable records relat- 
ing to the Uistory of Pennsj'lvauia, and the 
treaties with the Indians. There is a largo 
folio edition of the Sacka Bjblia, in the Ger- 
man language, printed in Cologne, in 1030. 
Kat ono of the most valuable works in the 
whole collection, is a thick little hymn book 
in IGuglish, bound in red morocco, with 



gold edges; once the property of the Baron- 
ess Benigna de Wattcville, Zinzendorf's 
eldest daughter. There is also a rare old 
qmirto hj'mn book, in good preservation, 
which was printed in lOOiJ, *' III/ the EUtera 
and iicrvfiiit» "/ the C-'iittc/fCft of the Itrathrcii in 
Bohemia, Moravia and /*vland ;" on one of the 
liy-lcavcs is the following entry, •' This book 
our dear Brother PAfi. Mi'ENSTKR, when ho 
left all and lied for tlie tlospel's sake from 
his fatherland, Moravia, in 1720, brought to 
Jhrnhn', strajqied U])on his back, deeming it 
the greatest treasui'e v.'liich he owne<I. At 
liernhul he gave it to Anna Nitschniann, 
(the celebrated Deaconess of Moravian His- 
tory, j who jjreseuted it to Anna Joanna 
Seidel,) the wife of the licv. C. I". Seidel,) 
from her Paul Muenstcr again obtained it, 
when he had come again to this place, (Beth- 
lehem,) and at his death bequeathed it to 
our Church Library, lie entered into the 
joy of his Lord on. the 4th day of October, 
171)2. On the title page is the autograph of 
A. C. Nitschmann." 

But the most valuable and interesting of 
all the records to the Bethlemite, are the 
DiARiKS of the church, kept since the year 
1712, written with great minuteness by the 
Ministers, giving a history of the Church 
aflairs, of the town, and of the whole coun- 
try, from day to day. Similar diaries have 
been kept in all the Moravian churches, 
missions, and settlements in America, from 
their earliest origin. 

On one side of the library are neat closets, 
in which arc kept with great care, many 
valuable and original letters and documents. 
Those of the Kevolutionary period, from 
General Washington, and others in authority, 
during the time that the '• Brethren's House" 
and other dwellings in Bethlehem, were 
used as the "General hospital of the Ameri- 
can Army," give great praise to the Breth- 
ren for their attention to the sick and wound- 
ed soldiers, and are very interesting to the 
general reader, as well as extremely grati- 
fying to the members of the Moraviaa 
Church. 

The Oemein Hanf, or more properly, " The 



BETnLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



59 



Congregation House," is situated at the corner 
of Cedar Alley and Church Street, immedi- 
ately in the rear of the large church, and to 
the east of it. The corner stone of this, the 
second house, (and now the oldest,) in Beth- 
lehem, was laid September 28th, 1741, and 
the building was completed the following 
year. II is a log-house, that is, it is built of 
hewn logs; it is two-stories high, with a steep 
roof, with two stories of garrets, and was for- 
merly plastered over on the outside, with a 
heavy coating of mortar, made of lime and 
sand, and lined in imitation of stone, but in 
18GS, this coating was removed, and clap- 
boarding substituted, much improving the 
looks of the building. 

The Gemein Huns was erected as a dwelling 
place for the Ministers and their families, 
and is still used for that purpose. Father 
Nitschraan was the master builder, as ho 
was of the '• First Ilouse." He is sometimes 
called the founder of Bethlehem, which is an 
error, as his nephew, Bishop Nitschman, was 
the founder, having been sent out from Eu- 
rope expressly for that purpose, by the 
church authorities at Hernhut. 

An old writer says : '' The course of the 
Gemcin was love and simplicity. Pride did 
not exist, and hence wants were few. The 
table was supplied with what they had, and 
what things tbey had not, they longed not 
to get; all were alike in the congregation. 
When the grandfather of doctor Huebener 
came to Bethlehem, he had to cross the Le- 
high, and he hailed a person on the other 
side, who was watering linen on the bleach, 
(then linen was worn altogether,) the person 
came and took him across, it proved to be 
the noted Brother Petrus Boehler, who 
tended the bleach ; all were required to be 
busy, he, as tlie minister of the congregation, 
set a good example to the others." 

The first Moravian Church in Bethlehem, 
was a large room on the second floor of the 
"Gtmein Bans," and was called " Dcr Saal," af- 
terwards," Der Kleine Saa!." Its low ceiling 
was supported by four wooden pillars, which 
are still to be seen in the partition walls of 
the four rooms into which it has been divid- 



tbeir services in that room ; and it was there 
the first Indian convert DaviJ, a Mohican, 
was baptised on the 16th of September, 1742. 
His remains repose in the old graveyard, 
where his tombstone can be seen, in the first 
compartment allotted to the men. ^ 

On the 19th of September, 1742, the corner' 
stone of an enlargement of the " Gcmein 
Haus" was laid, and the addition coiniileted ' 
in 174.". 

On the 5th of April, 1751, the town having 
a population of 21)0 souls, the community 
began the stone addition to the " Gemeiu 
Haus," now known as the " Old Chape!." 
The first floor contuinod a iteic hull for the 
'■■ married couples," the second floor being 
the chapel. The large buttresses of masonry 
on the outside of the building were put up 
at the time of the erection of tlie edifice, and 
not since, as is generally supposed. The 
dedication of this, the second Moravian 
Church in Bethlehem, took place July 10th, 
1751, the ceremonies were performed by 
Bishop Nitschman, the building having been 
entirely completed. In the afternoon, at 1 
o'clock, a general "Love Feast" was cele- 
brated. Love feasts were held every Satur- 
day in those times. 

From May 10th, ISOfi, until Lslj, the " Old 
Chapel" was used by the Boarding School 
for females, as a place to hold the exami- 
nations, exhibitions and daily worship. It 
was next used as a library, and a place for 
keeping the archives of the church; and 
afterwards as a concert room by the " Bethle- 
hem Philharmonic Society;" and finally, 
in 1856, restored to its original purpose, a 
place for worship, and became then called, 
" The Old Chapel." In 1864, it was renovat- 
ed, enlarged and improved, as it now ap- 
pears ; and on Sunday, April 2nd, 1S(!5, it 
was re-dedicated by the Rev'd Edwin de 
Schwinitz, to the worship of God. 

The " Old Chaiiel," when first erected, was 
provided with an organ, and at a later day, 
its walls were adorned by many interesting 
paintings, the works of tlie Moravian artist 
HiiDT, representing incidents in the life of 



00 



IIIPTORICAL SKETCH OF 



our Saviour. These valuable puintiiigs for 
some unkuowu reason, were afterwarJs solil 
by the Rev'ii Mr. Cunow. 

Ailjoiuing the " Old Chapel," immediately 
to the east, is the stone structure kn',wn as 
"The Old School," or the first Moravian 
Seminary for females, the erection of which 
was commenced in the year ITIJ, and com- 
pleted in the year 17-lfl. It luid ;i door and 
two windows on the first story, and three 
■windows in the second, fronting the open 
green space, in wliiidi now stands one of the 
old water-boxes employed f,>r supplying the 
town with water, ami which isstill used. The 
lowerlloorof the buildiu!; con lained a kitchen 
for the " Married Couples," and " Single 
Brethren ;"and adining-room forthe married 
people, who all look their meals at a common 
table. The upp-r Uoor was occui)ied by the 
married folks. 

On the 9th of .June, ITiLi, the belfry was 
completed in its present form. The base of 
the turret was occupied by a clock, made by 
Aii'jualita Ncisecr, of Germantown, Pennsyl- 
vania; showing outside a brass face. In the 
cupola hung three bells, east by Samuel 
Powell, one struck the hours, the others the 
quarters. The gilded emblem on the vane 
of the belfry, of a Lnmb trith a Itwtnti-y is the 
device on the official Episcopal Seal of the 
Moravian Church. 

The official seal of the church of the Unit- 
ed Brethren, is slightly oval, and three- 
fourths of on inch in di.araetcr. In the cen- 
tre, on a cartouche shield, which is enclosed 
by carved scroll work, is a Holy lamb, with 
a delicate tracery of vines and llowers en- 
circling it. The whole surrounded by the 
motto : " Vicit Affiius iioHtcr : aim Hequamiirj'* 
i. c, " Our lamb has conquered — him we will 
follow." 

The Paschal or Iloly-Lamb, passant, with 
a, staff, cross and banner, is a typical figure 
of our Saviour, who is understood to bo that 
Lamb mentioned in the Apocalypse of St. 
John, or the Revelations. The banner is 
always charged with a cross. See Clark's 
Introduction to Heraldry. The representa- 
tion of the seal of the church on the reverse 



of the title page to Dc Schwcinilz's Moravian 
Manual, published at Bethlehem in 1S09, is 
drawn in utter disregard of all heraldic 
rules; it is unlike the seal it purjmrts to rep- 
resent; many things being omitted. The 
banner is a streamer, and the lamb faces to 
the right, instead of tlie left, which is the 
invariable rule. 

In 1"1J<," The Old School" building had an 
adilition made to its eastern end, and in 1749 
one to its western gable, connecting it with 
liieOld Chapel. In ISIJ the Boarding School 
for females was removed to its present loca- 
tion on Church Street, and the •' Single Sis- 
ters" took possession of the old edifice. 

A school for girls was first commenced in 
Bethlehem, in the" Old School" building, on 
tl>e 6th day of .lanuary, 174'.), with sixt«cn 
.'I liolars, daughters of the Moravian mis- 
sionaries, ministers of the gospel, and of 
brethren of other Moravian settlements in 
America, forming a distinct household in 
the community, which was expected to de- 
fray its expenses by contributions from the 
church and individuals, and by the practice 
of a irudent economy. 

On the 2nd of October, 1 78a, the school was 
closed, and arrangements made in the House 
for receiving pupils from abroad. The five 
remaining inmates of the school, viz: Anna 
and Maria Unger, Susan Bage, Kosina Fried- 
man and Maria neekewelder,daughterof the 
celebrated Indian Missionary, the Rev'd 
John Hcekewelder, and the first white child 
born in the State of Ohio, and fifteen day 
scholars from the town were placed in charge 
of three Sisters, as teachers, and the room at 
the southwest corner of the second floor was 
assigned to thctn for a dwelling and recita- 
tions; all these continued at the school after 
the reception of scholars from other places. 

On the 2l3t of May, 178B, the first scholar 
from abroad entered the Seminary, iu the 
person of Miss Elizabeth Bedell, of Staten 
Island, New York. A full history of the 
school will be found iu the Jicihlchcm Suiitcn- 
ici; printed by J. B. Lippincott & Co., of 
Philadelphia. The work is full of interesting 
information, and contains a full list of all 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



61 



the pupils entered in the institute since its 
foundation, with some beautiful views of 
Bethlehem, of the different buildings occu- 
pied by the school, and fine portraits of the 
principals, aud other jiersons connected -with 
the institution. 

One of the regulations introduced in the 
school, was the ringing of the bell in the 
belfry of the " Sisters* House," for school in 
the mornings and afternoons, and a quarter 
before 12 o'clock M., for dinner, a custom 
which is still continued, and although the 
regulation is no longer applicable to tlie 
Seminary, it is to the scholars of the Mora- 
vian Day School, and most of the Moravian 
families, who still continue to dine at noon. 

In 1789, finding that the number of appli- 
cants for admission to the school was increas- 
ing so rapidly, that the building used could 
not accommodate all who applied, it was 
determined to erect another building, to 
give additional room ; a site was selected in 
the rear of the old school, and on the 2nd of 
May, 1790, the corner stone of the new build- 
ing was laid by the Rev'd Bishop Hucbener, 
in the presence of a large assemblage, in- 
cluding the pupils of the school, and the 
children and members of the church. 

The building then erected, afterwards 
known as the ''Old Castle," was a fine old 
stone edifice, an ornament to the town, and 
presenting an interesting and venerable ap- 
pearance in a distant view of Bethlehem, and 
ought to have been carefully preserved, but 
it was torn down in 1857, and the present 
Moravian Pay School, for the use of the 
children of the Bethlehem congregation, 
erected in its place. 

The " Old Castle" was 52 by 40 feet, crown- 
ed by a heavy trip roof, whose lower pitch, 
overhanging the eve? almost vertically, gave 
the building on the north side, where it was 
of one-story only, (being built on the de- 
clivity of the hill,) an air of uncommon 
strength and solidity. When vacated by 
the pupils of the Seminary, in 1815, it was 
occupied in part as a day school for the girls 
of the Moravian congregation; (the boys' 
school was in the Married People's House,) 
and partly as a dwelling place for the 



families of several members of tlie church. 
There is a fine picture of the old building in 
the Souvenier. 

The *' SiSTEns' House." 
The corner stone of the stone structure 
which forms the western end of the present 
"Sisters' House," was laid August 8th, 1742, 
and the edifice was completed in December 
of the same year. It was immediately oc- 
cupied by the *'' Single Brethren," who lived 
tiiere till November 15th, 1784, when they 
removed to their New House, the central 
building <]f the present Boarding School for 
Young Ladies. And the "Single Sisters," 
who had until then, lived at Nazareth, took 
jiossession of the old building, which has 
ever since borne its present name. 

In 1752, the eastern wing of the " Sisters' 
House," opposite tlic " Old Chapel," and like 
it, supjiorted outside by heavy stone but- 
tresses, was finished, containing a large sleep- 
ing hall for the " Single Sisters." The wing 
was occupied for the first time, on the 10th 
of May, 1752, and the occasion celebrated liy 
a shad dinner, to which one hundred bloom- 
ing " Single Sisters" and "' Great Girls" sat 
down. 

In 1773, the western addition to the " Sis- 
ters' House," was erected, and the row com- 
pleted as it now stands ; it was first occupied 
October 19th, A. D., 1773. 

The " Widows' House." 
On the south side of Church Street, directly 
opposite the " Sisters' House," stands the 
"Widows' House," erected in the year 17C8, 
with an addition made to its eastern end in. 
1794. It is a large, long, two-story stone 
house, built in the most substantial manner. 
The building is, as its name imports, the 
residence of tlie witlows of the members of 
the Moravian Church. The inmates of the 
"Widows' and Sisters' houses, are not, how- 
ever, supported by the church, but are de- 
pendent upon their own means, or the gene- 
rosity of their relatives and friends. The 
church furnishes them with rooms at a nomi- 
nal rent, in all else they are made to find 
themselves, if they can afford to do so, if not, 
they are supplied outof the Poor fundoftho 



iriSTOniCAL SKETCH OF 



Ciiugrcsalioii. There uscil lo be sel ajiurt in 
the " Willows' House," a room in wliicli the 
Bi.^ters and Wi«li)W3 oxposed for sale, many 
beautiful arliclcsoffaney works, of their own 
make, and from this source someof the more 
dopendcnl added to their little means; now, 
however, the articles of their handiwork are 
Bold at the " Eagle Hotel," through the 
motherly kindness of Jlrs. Mary Yohe, wife 
of mine ancient host Caleb, who has presided 
now for nearly twenty-six years over the 
varying fortunes of the Kaglc, ever ready 
" to welcome the coming, and si>ced the 
parting guest ;" his hosjiitality is unbounded, 
and as one of the" Mi/hi!c Ti<:," hefralernally 
greets the Brethren of the craft, and grace- 
fully does the honors of his Lodge. 

" ^Vtieii tlio Junior ■VVarilcn to refrenlirncnt call.i lis. 
Atjit tlH< sun is at MoriUiiin height, 
Li-t us nurrily, unite most cheerilj- ; 
In Kociut hiinu')ny, new joyn invito; 
Ono and tilt at hi.s cull 

To the fea.'it repiiiring 
All arnuntl joys resound, 
Kacli tlie plensure sh;:ring." 

Many of the Widows and Sisters who live 
in the (--'ongregation Houses at Bethlehem, 
are in comfortable circumstance!, and aid 
frequently the friends and oomjiauions of 
their youthful days, who arc not so fortunate ; 
Bo that they never want for anything ; of 
course, the church authorities would extend 
assistance to inmates of the Houses in case 
of necessity ; for these are the pet institutions 
of Betiilehem. Here, in their (»ld age, free 
from poverty and care, live the '"Single 
Sisters" and widowed mothers of this fine 
old town, and ancient church ; many reside 
there fiom choice, whose families live in 
affluence in the town, there they receive the 
visits of their friends and relatives as at 
home ; and surrounded as they are by the 
playmates of their youth, lime glides not 
unhappily away; and wc can but admire 
the affectionalo earo that is bestowed on 
those old ladies, and the loving attention of 
their children. May the winds of heaven 
deal gently with those time-honored walls, 
and may the more vandal hand of man long 
respect those venerable halls, built by the 
afleclionate solicitude and labor of those 
who have gone home, yet have left behind 



them these n^onumcnts of their love for their 
wives, sisters, and daughters. When those 
old piles of masonry are no more, Bethlehem 
will have lost the most interesting objects 
within its limits; and the Moravian Church 
its crowning glory, which, more than aught 
else, wins our love and admiration. 

The Sisters' Houses originated out of a 
voluntary act of the Sisters at Ueruhut, in 
Germany, in the year ITiO, who combined to 
live together under one roof, agreeing to 
serve the Lord, and receive no oiler of mar- 
riage unless it were brought to them by their 
Ministers. The "Single Brethren" soon 
formed a similar association, and from Iho 
mutual agreement in respect to matrimony, 
in the two associations, arose the " Marriaije 
Itij Lot." The se.\es in the earlier days of 
the Moravian Church, were separated as 
much as possible ; the Sisters were not per- 
mitted to pass the " Brethren's House;" uor 
the Brethren that of the " Sister's," if they 
accidentally met, they were not allowed to 
look at each other. The Sisters were for- 
bidden to mention the name of any of the 
Brethren. Both sexes grew up in ignorance 
of each other, were timid in meeting with 
strangers, and the Moravians then were, in- 
deed, a jjcculiar, religious people. 

Lieutenant Aubery, in his " Travels in 
America," published in 1778, says of the 
Moravians. " They have adopted a sort of 
a marriage, but fium the manner of its cel- 
ebration, you cannot suppose those mutual, 
tender endearments and happiness, to sub- 
sist between the parties as with us. A young 
man feels an inclination to marry, which 
does not proceed from any object lie is en- 
amoured with, for he never sees his wife but 
once before the ceremony takes place, it be- 
ing contrary to the principles of thoir relig- 
ion, to suppose it is from the jiassions of their 
nature, but merely to uphold the Society, 
that it may not sink into oblivion. The 
young man communicates his inclination to 
the parent, who, consulting with the Super- 
intendent, she produces her who is the next 
in rotation for marriage. The priest presents 
her to the young man, and leaves them to- 
gether for an hour, when ho returns. If they 



EETnLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



63 



both consent, they arc married the next day. 
If there is any objection, their cases are very 
pitiable, but especially the woman's, as she 
13 put at the bottom of the list, which am- 
ounts to nearly sixty or seventy; nor does 
the poor girl stand the least chance of a 
husband till she arrives at the toji, unless 
the man fcLds a second inclination for mar- 
riage, for he can never obtain any other wo- 
man than the one he had the first interview 
with. This, I am induced to think, is the 
reason of there being so many old women 
among the Single Sisters." 

There are many absurd errors in the state- 
ment of Leiutenant Aubery, which have 
never been corrected. The parties marrying, 
were chosen by the consent of the Elder's 
Conference, with reference to their fitness 
for each other, an<l then submitted to Lot. 
The Brother had also the right to name a 
Sister, if he knew one personally, or through 
hi J friends, if not, one was chosen for him ; 
in all cases the matter was determined by 
the Lot. 

Mi'. Ilonry, in his sketches of Moravian 
life, says : " It was the genius of Moravian- 
ism to submit all decisions to the Supremo 
will, and, in so doing, the Lot was the most 
available agent." 

The Lot was nut, hcwevor, used only in 
reference to the marriage tie by the Mora- 
vians, but is still resorted to t>n many impor- 
tantoccasions to determine buth worldly and 
religious matters. It is done after solemn 
prayer, asking the mediation and direction 
of the Lord and Saviour, in imitaiion 
of the Apostles, when choosing Matthias as 
one uf the twelve, after the death of* Judas. 
*' And flici/ (javc forth ihcif lots, and the I -A fell 
upon JIuttJttas, and he teas numbered with the 
eleven Apostles." See the Acts of the Apos- 
tles, lat chapter and 2lUh ver.^e. 

In the historical collections of the State of 
Kew Jersey, edited by John W. Barber and 
Henry llume, published in 1847, in the ar- 
ticle upon Hope, J^'cw Jersey, once a Mora- 
vian settlement, page 495, it is stated: " The 
young of both sexes were not generally al- 
lowed to associate. "When a young man 
wished to marry, he would hand in the name 



of the lady to the board of Elders. If judged 
improper from pecuniary disability, or other 
reasons, recourse was had to the lot to decide 
the question. This was always entered u]>ou 
with solemnity, and preceded by prayer. 
If favorable, the young lady had the privil- 
ege of refusal. In extraordinary cases it is 
even now resorted to ; for instance, when a 
youug lady receives proposals of luarriago 
from a missionary, and is undecided, she 
sometimes requests the lot to be taken." 

It is undoubted that there wore many iiii- 
jiediments thrown in the way of the Breth- 
ren and Sisters marrying in the early dayi 
ur the settlement of Bethlehem, why, is now 
a hidden mystery, yet there were some rea- 
sons for the restriction. Most of the Breth- 
ren were poor and unable to support a family. 
The Society only allowed one married cou- 
I)le of each trade to settle in the town, be- 
sides which, the church had not the meaua 
to build bouses for all the niarrieil ]>eo])le. 

Theauthorities at Ilernhut, being informed 
that matrimony was notproperly encouraged 
among the Bretlircu and Sisters in America j 
determined upon sending a visitation to the 
churches there; accordingly, the Bev'd 
Bishop, John, Baron de "VVatteville, was sent 
by the direction of the I'lu'fi/'n Ehhr's Cor.' 
fcrence,*' in Germany, to America, in the year 
l7i>G or '07, his visit resulted in "' Tni-: CI re at 
Wedding Act," at Bethlehem, on the 20th 
day of April, 1707, when fourteen coujdci 
were married, at the same time, in tlie faca 
of the whole congregation, in the old place 
of worship, '* Der Kleine Saal," in the second 
story of the " Gemein IIaus," sometimes 
called the ^' Minister's House." The namci 
of the couples married, nud the ministeri 
performing the ceremony, were as follows, 
viz : 
1. Maria Redenberger to John Schweiss- 

haught, by the Bev'd Anton Lawatsch. 
'2. Samuel Johannes to Magdaliue MlngM, by 

the Eev'd Frank Christian Lembke. 

This couple were Africans. 

3. Elizabeth Cornwell to Bichard Pop])elwell, 

by the Bev'd I. Michael Gralf. 

4. John llenrv Merck to Catharine Eliza- 



64 



HISTORICAL PKKTTH OF 



bclh ]Uil, 1>.V tlio Kev'd Paul I)iini.-1 

Bryzeliiis. 
b. Rc;^iua Keumann lo Mallliias AVciss, liy 

the RevM Abraham Rciucke. 
C. Gciirge MfLscr to Judith ScUuror, by the 

Rev'd Augustus Goltlcib Siiuugciiberger. 
7 Rosina Schultz to Jacob Till, by the RevM 

Bishop Augustus Gottlcib Spangcnher- 

ger. 

8. Otto Krogslry to Anna Buniolt, by the 

Rev'd Petrus Boehlcr. 

9. Barbara Krausiu to WolTgang Jlichler, l^y 

the Rev'd Bishop Petrus Boehler. 

10. George Ilubcr to Anna Maria Lchiiert, 

by the Rev'd John Christoi>her i'aneUc. 

11. Salome Buerstler to Abraham Rteiner, by 
the Rev'd John Etlwein. 

12. Jacob Rubcl lo C'atharina lloettcr, by the 

Rev'd Bernliardt Adam Grube. 

13. Salome Dock to Philiji Wcsa, by the 
Rev'd Phillip Christian Bader. 

14. Martin Ilirte to Maria Berotli, Iry tlie 
Rev'd John Martin Mack. 

'£'h<i"Aci" was ])receded by the entrance 
of the fourteen couples, acconii>anied by the 
ministers, into the hall of worship, which 
the account says, " was a very respectable 
prospect;" while the trumpets and trom- 
bones were played. The Liturgy No. 92, 
from the Moravian Liturgy Book, was then 
Eung. 

^' !("(<; brintf U-Jia dock zii iccf/c,*' 
By the clioir, till the second verse, when the 
whole congregation joined in. Then follow- 
ed au address by " Brother Joseph," (Span- 
jjcnberg,) upon the text of the day ; " / am 
the Vine, you the hranchcs." After which, the 
entire congregation arose, and sung the hymn 

'' Avh Gutt (III Kciinclufi Lammtiein," 

During the singing the fourteen coujjles 
were united in marriage, in the order given 
above, and Bishop S)>angenberg then impart- 
ed the blessing of the Church upon the newly 
married people, to which the congregation 
responded. Amen 1 

Then followed congratulations, refresh- 
ments and an intermission; after which the 
newly married couples, and the married 
people of tl>e congregation, aesembled to- 



gether, and were entertained by sunic musi- 
cal ]>erforniance8. ThcBrothcr,PelrusEoch- 
lor, then sung an original ode, and Brothers 
Grair, Ettwoin ami Reineke, read original 
compositions; copies of all of which, are still 
carefully preserved by the Moravians of 
Bethlehem, as well as of fhe address deliver- 
ed liy Bishop Spangcnberg. 

This incident, one of the most remarkable 
that ever occurred in the Bethlehem congre- 
gation, is often spoken of by the older Mo- 
ravians, as on event never to be forgotten. 
It was a triumjih for the young peo]>le of 
both sexes, in favor of their marrying in 
greater numbers, a privilege which had been 
jireviously ilenied them. 

" Marrying by Lot, a tale of the Primitive 
Moravians," is the title of a work by Cb.ir- 
lotteB. Mortimer, the daughter (if a Moravian 
minister, who was at one time a teacher in 
the Young Ladies' Seminary, at Bethlehem, 
it was j)ublished in New York, by G. P. Put- 
nam & Son, in ISO."*. Perhaps some infor- 
mation can be derived from it in regard to 
this interesting subject, although it is not as 
clear and explicit as the curious reader could 
desire. 

The married women were known by wear- 
ing light blue silk ribbons, as cap-ties under 
their chins. The cap fitted close to the face 
and head, was made of cambric, with a 
broad band of lace tied around the forehead, 
to keep it in place ; it was called a Sihnrp/en 
JIaube, owning to its being cut in the shape 
of a miipe'i bill. This cap was worn by all 
the females over the age of twelve years ; 
and remained in use in the American con- 
gregation till 1818, when it was abolished, to 
the great joy of the married women and sis- 
ters. The Great Girls wore dark red ribbons 
for their cap-ties. The Single Sisters used 
light pink in theirs; and the Widows wore 
white ribbons. 

But all these restrictions to marriage, and 
all these ancient costumes are now but me- 
mentoes of the past. In those days nearly 
all the religious societies originating in Eu- 
rope, had their monkish costumes, and pecu- 
liar dresses or uniforms; and those of the 
Moravians were no moresingiilar than those 



BETHLEHEM, P K N N S Y L V A N I A. 



65 



of many other orders of Christians, some of 
which still exist ; and who, unlike the Breth- 
ren, do good to no man, or woman either. 

In Proud's History of Pennsylvania, v.d- 
ume 2nd, page 355, it is written, speaking of 
the Uin'las /';tt(rum, or United Brethren, that, 
" Bv tliis name they were acknowledged by 
Greul BrUaln, in the year 1737 and 1739, and 
by several uthernations and states about the 
same period. In the latter of which years, 
they received a general toleration, by an act 
of the Britinh PnrUamciit, encouraging them 
to settle in the American plantations, &c., 
bv allowing them to take a soh'inn affinnatlou 
instead of an oath, and dispensing with their 
not being concerned in iiiiWtar}/ affdirt, on 
payment of a rate assessed, ,tc." 

The dates slionld be 17-17 and 1740, respec- 
tively. The first mentioned Act is so inter- 
esting and curious, that it is given here en- 
tire. It was passed in the 20th year of the 
Peign of riporge the Second. 1 747. and can be 
found in the Statutes at Large of England, 
7th v<d., chap. 44. p. fiS, and is as follows : 

ANNO REGNI, GEORGE II. REGIS. 

Ma<j!i(e B.-ittrinnicv, Fi-aiicif^ and Ilibcrnic^. 

VICESIMO. 

At the Parliament, begun and holden at 
Wostminstor, the first day of December, 
Anno Domini, 1741, in the tifteonth year of 
t!ie Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the 
Second, by tlic Grace of God, of Great Britain, 
France and Ireland, King, Defender of the 

Faith, iSrC. And fmm t!ienre c<nititl>lt:<l In/ sere- 
ml Proroijatimm fit tfip uir/litprittJ} Jaif of Novem- 
ber, 174(), behiy the sixth scasion n/ tin's present 
Parliament. 

(The Royal Arms of Great Britain as they 
now are, ISOO.) 

LoxnoN'. 

Printed by Themaa Baskctt. Printor to the King's 

most excellent Majistv: and of the Assigns of 

Thomas liaskr-lt. 1747. 



(93.yj 

Anno Vicesimo. 

GEORGF, II. REGI.?. 

An Act to extend tlie provisions of an Act 
made in t!ie i;Jth year of Ilis august Ma- 
jesty's Reign, entituled, An Act for Natu- 
ralizing Fnreit/n Prntestantf, andotJiers therein 
mentioned, as arc settled, or shall settle in any 
of His M((jesl!j^s Colonies in Anierien. to other 
Foreign Protestant^ who conscientiously 
Bcruple taking an Oath. 



Whereas, by an Act made in the tliirteenth 
year of his present Majesty's reign, entituled 
" An Act for Naturalizing such Foreign Pro- 
testants, and otiiers therein mentioned, aa 
are settled, or shall settle in any of his Ma- 
jesty's colonies in America ;" it was enacted. 
That from and after the first day of June, in 
the year of our Lord, 1740, all persons born 
out of the Ligeance of His Majesty, his Ileira 
or Successors, wlio had inhabited and resid- 
ed, or should inhabit or reside for llie space 
of seven years or more, in any of His Majes- 
ty's Colonies in America, and should not 
have been absent out of some of the said 
Colonies for a longer space than two months, 
at any one time during tliesaid seven years, 
and should take and subscribe the oaths, and 
make, repeat and subscribe the Declaration 
ai>pointed by an Act made in the first j-car 
of the Reignof His late Majesty, King George 
the I, entituled, an Act for the further se- 
curity of his Majesty's person and Govern- 
ment, and the succession of the Crown in the 
Heirs of the late Princess ,'?<ijiliia, being Pro- 
testants, and for extinguishing the hopes of 
the present Prince of Wales, his open and se- 
cret abettors; or being of the jjeopls called 
Quakers, should make and subscribe the 
Declaration of fidelity, and take and affirm 
the elFeot of the Abjuration Oath, appointed 
and prescribed by an Act made in tlie eighth 
year of the Reign of his said late Majesty, 
entituled, an Act for granting the people 
called Quakers, such forms of affirmation or 
Declaration, as may remove the difEcultica 
which many of them lie under; and also 
make and subscribe the Profession of his 
Christian Belief, appointed and prescribed 
by an Act made in the first year of the Reign 
of their late M.ajesties, King William and 
Queen Mary, entituled, an Act for exempt- 
ing their JIajesties' Protestant subjects for 
penalties of certain Laws, before the chief 
.Judge or other Judge of the Colony wherein 
such Persons respectively had so inhabited 
and resided, or should so inhabit and reside, 
should be deemed, adjudged, and taken to be 
His Majesty's natural born Subjects of this 
Kingdom, to all Intents, Constructions, and 
Purposes, as if they, and every one of tiicm, 
had been or were born within this Kingdom: 
And whereas, many of the Peoj^le of the 
Congregation called tlie Moravian Brethren, 
and other Foreign Protestants not Quakers, 
who conscientiously scruple the taking of an 
Oath, are settled in his Majesty's Colonies in 
America, and demean themselves there as a 
sober, quiet and industrious People, and 
many others of the like Persuasion, arc do- 



Gl5 



II I S T n I C A L S K K T C II OF 



sirous to Iniiisport Uicmsolves lliillior; and 
if tlio Beiitlit of tlio said Act made in the 
thirtconlh year of lii3 present Majesty's 
Keign, were extended to tliiMii,tliey wlio are 
Uow tliero ivould tliereby bo cneouraged to 
co:iliinio tlieir Kesideneo in liia Majesty's 
Ciilonies, and otliers woiild resort tliillier in 
greater numbers, vvliereljy tlie said Colonies 
wonld be improved, tbeir strength inereased, 
and their trade extended; be it tlierefore 
enacted hy tlio King's most Excellent Jla- 
jesty, hy and with the advice and consent of 
tlie Lords Siiiritnal and Temporal and Com- 
mons, in this present Parliament assembled, 
an.l by the authority of the same. That from 
and after tlie 2.0th day of December, 1717. 
all Foreign Protestants, who conseientiouslv 
scruple the taking an Oath, and who are born 
out of the Ligeance of his Majesty, his Heirs 
or Success(U-s. who have inhabited and ro- 
eideil, or shall inhabit and reside, for the 
space of seven years, or more, in any of his 
M:ijcsty's Colonies in America, and sIi.tH not 
have been absent out of some of the said 
Cjlonies for a longer space than two months 
c'i -,ny one lime during the said seven years, 
and sliall make and subscribe the Declaration 
of lidclity, anil take and allirm the Elfcct of 
the Abjuration Oath, appointed and i>reserib- 
ed by the said recited Act, made in the eighth 
year of the Reign of his late Majesty, King 
George the first, and also make and subscribe 
i.j>3 Profession of his Christian Belief, ap- 
pointed and prescribed by the said recited 
Act, made in the first year of the Reign of 
their late Majesties, King William and Queen 
Mary, before the chief Judge, or other Judge 
of the Colony wherein such Persons respec- 
tively have so inhabited and resided, or 
shall so inhabit and reside, shall be deemed, 
adjudged, and taken to be his M.ajesty's 
natural born subjects of this Kingdom, to all 
Intents, Constructions, and Purposes, as if 
they and every of them had been and were 
born within this Kingdom ; which said atlir- 
matiou and subscrii)tion of thesaid Declara- 
tion, the said Chief or other Judge ef every 
t f the said respective Colonies, is hereby en- 
able and empowered to administer and take ; 
and the taking of every such anirmation,and 
the making and subscribing every su<-h 
Deelai-ation, shall be iu such manner and 
Place, and at such Times and Hours, and 
such Entries made thereof, and for the same 
fees, and under the same Penalties, as in the 
said recited Act of the thirteenth year of his 
Majesty's Reign, are mentioned: and Lists 
of the Persona who shall take the Bcuelit of 



this Act, shall bo transmittcil to the Com- 
missioners ofTraile an<l Plantations, in lika 
Manner and under the same Penalties, as 
the Lists of the Persona taking the Benefit 
of the said Act aro thereby directed to bo 
transmitted. 

Provided always, and be it enacted hf 
the authority aforesaiil. That no Person 
shall be naturalized by virtue of this Act, 
unless such person shall have received Ilia 
.'Jacrament of the Lord's Supper, in some 
Protestant or Reformed Congregation, within 
some of the said Colonies in America, within 
Three months next before his taking such 
Aflirmalion, and making ami subscribing 
such Declaration, and shall at the time of 
his taking such .\frirmation. and makingand 
subscribing such Declaration, [iroduee a ecr- 
tiiieato signed by the Person administering 
the said Sacrament, and assisted by two 
cretlible witnesses, whereof an Entry shall 
be made in the Secretary's ofilccof the Colo- 
ny wlierein such Person shall so inhabit and 
reside, and also in the Court where tlie said 
Afiirmation shall be so taken as aforesaid, 
without any fee or Reward. 

And be it further enacted by the authority 
aforesaid. That the Provisions contained in 
the said Act, made in the thirteenth year of 
his present Majesty's Reign, with Regard to 
the Certificates of Residence, and o( having 
made and subscribed the said Declaration, 
and taken the said Afiirmation, and as to 
such certificates being made evidence in the 
Courts of ttreat Britain and Ireland, an<l also 
in the said Colonies, and all other the Bene- 
fits of the said Act, shall e.\tend to Foreign 
Protestants, who conscientiously scruj)lethe 
taking of an Oath, and who shall be qualified 
as aforesaid. 

Provided always, that the said Foreign 
Protestants shall enjoy the Privileges of 
natural born subjects, and all the Benefits 
of this Act, and the said Act of the thirteenth 
year of his Majesty's Reign 

Provided always, and be it further enacted. 
That no Person who shall become a natural 
born subject of this Kingdom, by virtue of 
this Act, shall be of the Privy Council, or a 
member of either House of Parliament, or 
capable of taking, having, or enjoying any 
Onice or Place of Trust within the Kingdom.^ 
of Great Britain and Ireland, either civil or 
military, or of having, accepting, or taking 
any Grant from the Crown to himself, or to 
any other in Trust for him, of any Lands, 
Tenements or Hereditaments, within the 
Kingdoms of Great Britain or Ireland, any- 



BETnLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



67 



thing hereinbefore contained to the contrary 
thereof, in any wise notivithstanding. 

Provided also, and it is hereby further 
enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
nothing in this Act, or in the said recited 
Act of the thirteenth year of his Majesty's 
Ecign contained, shall extend, or he con- 
strued to extend to naturalize any Person or 
Persons whatsoever, who, by virtue of an 
Act made in the fourth year of his Majesty's 
Kcign, (intituled, "An Act to explain a clause 
in on Act made In the Seventh Year of the licltjn 
of Jler late ilajcslri §^(ecH Anne, ioT Naturalh- 
I'lij Foreign Protestants, which relates to the 
children of natural born Subjects of the 
Crown of England, or of Great Britain,) are 
declared and enacted not to be intituled to 
the Benefit of the said Act of the Seventh 
year of her said late Majesty's Picigu. but 
that all such Persons shall be and remain in 
tlie same State, Plight and Condition, to all 
Intents, Constructions and Purposes, what- 
sover, as they would have been in, if the 
said recited Act of the Thirteenth year of 
his Majesty's Eeign, or this Act, had never 
been made; anything in this Act, or in the 
said recited Act of the Thirteenth year of his 
Tklajesty's Peign contained to the contrarv. in 
a!iywiso notwithstanding. 

The following ancient and interesting 
Naturalization l^apcr, ppeaks for itself. 



Pex.vstlvania, ss. 

T EDWARD SIIIPPEN, Jcn : Piotlionef.nry of tlia 
J-j SupreamCourtof (he PruTiuceof r™iisjlvaii:ii, 
DO hereby certify. That at a Supieam Court held at 
Phibdclphia, for the s.nid Province of Pennsylvania, 
the fifteenth day of April, in the yearof onr Lor.l, One 
thousand seven liundrcd anil fifty'-fonr, Before William 
Allen, Lawrence Growdon, and Caleli Cowidaud, Es- 
quires, Judges of said Court, between the hours of'nino 
and twelve o'clock iu the forenoon of tlio same day, 
George Uofpman, of Geimautown, in the Coun'yof 
Phihadelphia, hting a Foreigner, and having inhahited 
and resided for the space of seven years in liia Jhijesly's 
Colonies in Americit, and not having been absent out 
of some of the said Colonies for a longer time than Two 
months at any one time during the said seven years : 
And the said George Iloffnian hf.ving producnlto Wio 
said Court, a Certiticate of his having taken the Sacia- 
nient of the Lord's Supper within three months before 
the said Court, took and snbsoibed the Oaths, and did 
make and repeat the Declaration, (appointed by an Act 
made in the first Year of tlie Reign of his lute Majesty, 
King GEORGE, tlie Fiist,) according to the Diieetions 
ofnn Act of Parliament, made in tlie thirteenth year 
of his present Majesty King GLORGE the Second, in- 
tituled, ^n jlc( /or JS'aturaIi:iiig such Foreign Prn- 
tedants, and othi;rSf therein meiitiomd, as arestttlcd in 
anil of his Majesty's Colonies in America ; and tin re- 
upon was admitted to be his Majc-tj's natural bom 
Subject of the Kingdom of Great Jlriluin. purfuaiit to 
the Direction and Intent of the saiil Act of Parliament. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Iland, 
and alBxed the Seal of the Sujiream Court, the tjfteent j' 
Day of Aiiril, iu the year first above meutioucd. 

EDW'D SIIIPPEN, Je., Frot. 
[Sealof Ihe Court.] 



C8 



i: T S T f r. T r A T. 



O F 



,.i. ~ 





THE OLD WATER WORKS, 

BETHLKHEXI, PA. 



CirAPTKU IX. 
Tnn Uetiilkhem Alpiiaukt. — Tub Old Wati:r 
M'oRKS. — Dr. Mkasf/s?ketciiof tiik Mora- 
vians.— Deiiby's GA/.KTCF.n, U27. — Mi:s. 
KovAi/s AccoiNT, ls2V. — Princk AIaxamii.- 
lAN OF KErwEH)*s Visit, lfr>2. — Javfs N. 
Deck's Sketches. — GoimoN'sGAZKTTEEn of 
Pa., 1S;>2. — The Centennial Celiikkation. 
V. S. (iazeteer, IS-l.'J. — IxconroRATiuN OF 
THE IJoROUGii, lS4o. — " God Pavi: the 
Luckenback's." — Act ok Parliament Re- 
cognizingtiie^UnitasFratrim," AS A Pno- 
tkstant Episcopal CnxjRcii. — Origin of the 

MORAVIANS.^SCME ACCOINT OF THE SETTLE- 
MENT OP Hope, Kew Jersey, from the 
Historical Collections of that Statist. 

THE BETIILEIIKAI ALPHABET. 

/?y the late JUv'd Louia David de Scfitceiuttz. 

A Ktauds for Anders, both Bit>hop and Brewor. 
B " JSoehUTf and Sier to secure. 

C " Crist, whose Indy kevpH school. 



P >l:iluls for Pnstrr, the ilyei- itl wool. 

E " i^ffffctt, who works with the !-;iw. 

F '• J-'riilut/, his Fntbtr-in-Iaw. 

G '• (;u(ttcr,v.\ui keeps the AVoo<'->!irtL 

II " llUlman, who alwayn works hartl. 

J " John, Jactfb, Juniit, and his wif<-. 

K " Kampmtiti, the oldest in life. 

L '* I.anye, both Father iind Son. 

M ** Madiclc and MUchsank, nlom*. 

X ** ycisscr, whose house is but lialf. 

'• Ocrlrr, whi) bind.-* bot»ks in calf. 

P •* J'/til}tr, who tends the bnrk-niill. 

il •• QuiijU'Ji who niarriid Jalc Till. 

R '• Jiaitch, Jiiclsecler and Kicc. 

S •' Schnelkr. who teaches for price. 

T •• JbmWtr, a Ewit ia h;8 sign. 

V '• Pfy/HiVj, his bhop is his mine. 

W '• Wiirita; the n»;iker i>f Combs. 

X -'a letter which nobody owns. 

y •' yonnt/matt, wlio has toys for silc. 

'/. '• jColln; who takes around the Ale. 

The wood-cut at the head of this chapter, 
is a view of the " Oid }yi'tcr W'orKs of IJcthU- 
hcw," or rather, of the oKl buildiug iu which 



E E T II L E II E H[, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



69 



the first worts for forcing up the water were 
erected ; taken from one of Kleckner's fine 
large photographs. Tlie machinery was af- 
terwards removed to the Oil Mill, so often 
spoken of in the accounts of the town, where 
the celebrated buckwheat meal is now nlade, 
and which is situated directly to the west of 
the old building, on Ihe opposite side of 
Water Street, on the banks of theManockasy. 

A path runs along, the south side of the 
house, up the hill into Main Street, between 
the residences of Captain Abbott and Mr. 
John Fitz. This old house was the last 
building held by the Moravian Society, 
when selling out their property in the town, 
and it was finally disposed of to Mr. Jedidiah 
Weiss, who still retains it; and whose son 
now occupies it as his residence. 

The oil originally manufactured was Lin- 
seed oil, made from the seed of flax, which 
was raised in large quantities by the Mora- 
vians, previous to the Revolution, and before 
cotton came into use. 

Ileokewelder says in his Indian names, 
that the word " Mauockast/, means in the In- 
dian language, a stream with long bends, or 
many windings." And ho spells it liana- 
fjaeai 

Recently, in grading Market Street, the 
workman came upon the stone foundations 
of one of the old Water Towers, in use for- 
merly to give a head to the water in supply- 
ing the village. The main tcwer stood in 
the rear of the " Married Peoples' Houses," 
as already stated; smaller towers were erect- 
ed in diiferent parts of the town; and the 
one above mentioned stood in Market Street 
opposite the site of the '' Old Indian Chapel." 

Morse's American Gazetteer, jiublishcd in 
1797, says, that Bethlehem in 17S7, had 60 
dwelling houses of stone, well built, and COO 
inhabitants. 

Dr. James Mease, in his work called " The 
Picture of Philadelphia," 2)ublished in 1811 
page, 209, says, in reference to the Moravians 
or United Brethren. 

"The first congregation of this Amiable 
Sect, that settled in North America, came 
from Berthlesdorf, a village belonging to 
Count Ziuzendorf, in upper Lusatia. AVhen 



expelled from the Dominions of the Elector 
of Saxony, they resolved to go to America, 
and the Trustees of the Colony of Georgi.a 
having oflered, through the Count, to grant 
them a tract of land, they set out in Novem- 
ber, 1734. 

" The written instructions given by the 
Count, were, ' That they should submit them- 
selves to the wise direction and guidance of 
God in all circumstances ; seek to preserve 
liberty of conscience : avoid all religious dis- 
putes, and always keep in view that call 
given them by God himself, to ])reach the 
Gospel of Jestts Christ to the Heathen j and 
further, that they should endeavor as much 
as possible to earn their own bread.' These 
principles they have ever strictly followed. 

"Having met in London with General 
Oglethrope, the Governor of Georgia, 'they 
were provided with all the necessaries fur 
the voj'age to his beloved colony, where 
they safely arrived in 173t), and settled on 
the O'jeeche River : here they obtained the 
character which they so properly deserved, 
of a peaceful, pious people. Another colony 
arrived in the course of the following sum- 
mer, and settled in Savannah. But in the 
following year, 1738, upon the attack of the 
Colony by the Spaniards from Florida, they 
were forced to leave their flourishing planta- 
tions, {liavintj earli/ declared that the// woithl not 
be concerned in war;) and retired to Pennsyl- 
vania: part came in 1738, and the remainder 
in 1740. They settled in Bethlehem. In 
1741, Count Zinzendorf arrived in Pennsyl- 
vania; and after much jjious labor, particu- 
larly among the Indians, returned to Europe 
in 1743. 

"In 1742, the Brethren erected a churcli 
in Philadelphia, in an alley running north 
and south from Mulberry Street to Sassafras 
Street, between Second and Third Streets, 
and hence called J/orat'ia» Alley. The church 
is 40 feet by 30 feet, and will hold about 
three hundred persons. It has an organ. 
Pastor, Rev. Joseph Zeslein, 

" The principles of the Moravians are con- 
tained in 'An exposition of Christian doc- 
trine, as taught in the Protestant Church of 
i the United Brethren or Unitae Fratrum, by A. 



ro 



nir!TORICAL PKETOn OF 



C. Spangcnbcrg, with a preface l>y Benjamin 
La Triibe." They do not liifl'er in the great 
curilinal points from other Protestant sects. 
They hold occasional ' Love Feasts' in their 
churches, for the pnrposeof promoting friend- 
ship, mutual love and kindness among one 
another. The aliment is of tlie most simple 
nature, wine is indeed sometimes used, but 
with the most rigid attention to temperance. 
They deem thojjropagation among the heath- 
en, of the means of salvation by the Re- 
deemer, a primary object of duly ; and their 
zeal in this respect is truly astonishing. 
Every part of the Globe lias been visited — 
nay, settled by their Missionaries ; even the 
inhospitable shores of Greenland and Labra- 
dor; and the most unhealtliy climates of 
Africa and Asia have received the benefit of 
their pious labors ; the frontiers of North 
America, which, even at the present niomeut, 
are the hunting grounds of the savages, 
were settled by them more than half a cen- 
tury ago, by a colony under the venerable 
ajiostle, the late Eev. Mr. Zeisberger, and 
others. No danger, however great, no priva- 
tions, or personal sufferings, however severe, 
deterred them from steadily pursuing their 
benevolent designs; and although the hor- 
rors of a predatory war carried on against the 
inoffensive converts from heathen darkness, 
by men who disgraced the name of Chris- 
tians, often interrupted the tranquility of 
their settlements, and occasioned their per- 
secution ; yet they availed themselves of the 
fast opportunity to recommence their labors, 
and have joyfully seen their example follow- 
ed by otiier denominations of Christians. 

'• The members of this Society are few in 
number in Philadelphia, wlien compared 
with those ofother sects. The head of their 
government is Ilernhutt, in Germany : the 
subordinate power of their church, Uishop 
Loskiel, resides at Bethlehem in Pennsylva- 
nia. 

"For a full account of the labors of the 
Moravians in NortUAmeriea, see ' The His- 
tory of the Mission of the Utiitaa Fratniin 
among the Indians of North America, by the 
Rev. Mr. Loskiel, London, 1794.' " 

In Buck's TUcological dictionary, printed 



in Philadelphia, in the year 1820, by Charles 
Buck, volume II, page 82, &c., there is an 
exhaustive article on the }foraviatiA, the man- 
ner of their Church Government, Missions, 
Ac., which, notwithstanding its great inter- 
est, would be out of place in the present 
work. It was comjiiled from Crunlz's Ancient 
a»d Modern llisiory of the CIturtsli of the United 
Brethren, 1780, Spanrjenberfa Exposition of the 
Christian Doctrine, 1784. JJr, Ilawein's Chuieh 
History, Vol, III, p. 184, «tc. / Crantz^s History 
of the Missions in Oreenland, LoskciCs History 
of the Missions to the North. Anteriean Indians ; 
and Oldendorp's History of the lirethren's Mis' 
sions in the Vanish West Indian Islands. 

In Derby's Universal Gazetter, issued in 
1827, iu the article on Bethlehem, it is stated 
among other things, that the population of 
the town in 1800, was only 543, and in the 
Township, 134,'!. In 1810, the number in the 
Township was 143B, and in 1820, the number 
in the Township had increased to 1860 indi- 
viduals, nearly all Moravians. The number 
of dwellinij houses in the town in 1820, was 72. 
The population of the town itself, is only 
given for the year 1800. 

From Mrs. lioyaVs Pennsylvania, prir.tcd in 
Washini/ton, I). C, in 1829, the following 
amusing and really entertaining sketch is 
extracted : 

" Bethlehem is comparatively a large town 
and though mostly built of stone, has some 
handsome brick buildings. It is regularly 
laid oir into handsome streets, and like 
Nazareth, stands on a considerable eminence. 
It, however, sinks in some places, and rises 
in others. The new buildings are showy, 
and built in the modern style ; but the origi- 
nal buildings are roughly built of stone, and 
those where the Societies live, are huge 
masses of great size, small windows, and 
stone or brick floors, on the lower stories. 
The Church, however, and the Young La- 
dies' Academy, are two of the finest buildings 
in the United States. 

"Theirgraveyards are peculiar; instead of 
putting the tombstone jiei-pendicular, it is 
laid horizontally and loose on the top of the 
grave, as an emblem of death which levels 
all things. They have a house where the 



R E T n L E i[ K M, T E N N S T L V A N I A. 



Tl 



dead arc placed and locked up till tUcy arc 
interred, and the friends of (lie deceased 
proceed from this house to tlio n;rave 3'ar'l, 
with appropriate music. 

•^Thc Water Works of Bethlehem, I.y 
which water is convc^-cd throu?:h the to^vn, 
arc a great curiosity. It i.; foi'ced from a 
spring 100 feet higii into a deep well, ami a 
number of pipes leading oil' from the well 
under grouMd, conveys the water wherever 
ii io wanted. They keep largo cisterns full 
in case of fire. 

'Dr. Steckle, of Nazareth, recommended me 
to a Dr. Green, at Bethlehem, whom he said 
I would find at the stage house, kept by one 
Crist. Dr. Green, though he paid me a 
great deal of attention, was not the gentle- 
man his friend represented him. Nor was I 
Ht all pleased with my quarters. The tavern 
keeper was from home, and his wife was an 
impertinent, disobliging woman. 

•• Bethlehem, ,as well as Nazareth, has long 
been distinguished for the excellence of its 
schools. The Young Ladies' Academy at 
Bethlehem, is so well known throughout, 
not only this country, but the world, that 
nothing I could say would be of any advan- 
tage to the Institution, its fame having 
reached all parts of the Union. 

•■ I have seen numbers who were educated 
at Bethlehem, and have often seen the work 
done by the pupils, which, no doubt, has 
reached every part of the United States, and 
is doubtless superior to any needle work 
d.>nc in our country, at least. 

■• I unfortunately called at Bethlehem on 
Saturday, and the first thing I did after "my 
arrival, was to inform the principal. Rev, 
Chas. F. Seidel, of my presence. lie, very 
gentleman-like, waited on me in a few min- 
utes, and, after communicating my views, 
Mr. S. said he would rather I would postpone 
my visit to the Academy till the next day, 
as the young ladies were always in undress 
on Saturday, preparing themselves for the 
ensuing week. That Saturday was the 
usual day for cleaning up. This being the 
case, I had to submit, as I was resolved upon 
seeing the pupils and the interior of tlie 
Academy, Mr, Seidel is a middle aged man, 



heavy made, full round face and ])leasing 
countenance. In his manners he e;cccls, if 
possible, Eev, Van Vle< k. lie is a native <-f 
Germany, but has been in this country 
several j'cars ; no one, however, would per- 
ceive from his dialect that he was a foreign- 
er. I have never seen an American whose 
demeanor and manners jMssessed the samo 
ease and grace of Dr. Seidel, and it would 
be mockery to attempt a descrip'ion of the 
man. His conversation bespoke him a man 
of high attainments, and upon the whole ho 
is one of the most fascinating men I ever 
met Willi. 

'The following day I went to Church in 
the first place, .as I wished to see their mode 
of worship, and when the sermon was over 
I was to bo admitted to the Academy, it 
having been so arranged. The Church is 
very large, and has a handsome organ. The 
men and women sit aj)art, the men taking 
ofi' theii: hats. These sit on one side of the 
house, and the ladies of the place u]>on the 
other, face to face, and the pupils sit in the 
middle. The puj^ils have, however, a jilaco 
of worship by themselves, their seats arc at 
right angles with the others. The daughters 
of the citizens (single ones), sit with the 
pujiils. 

'•This was a good opportunity to see the 
customs of the whole. Both men and women 
were fashionably dressed, excepting, as in 
other cases, the aged ; but nothing could ex- 
ceed the taste and neatness of the whole. 
They differ from all other people in coun- 
tenance, manner and dress. They all have 
a smile on their countenance, and none of 
the sameness of the Quakers or the Shakers 
in their dress, nor the sadness of the Metho- 
dists, or the fripping flounces of other sect/,, 
and still less the studied grimness of the 
Grai/ Coats. Some of the citizen ladies were 
dressed in wliite, some in lead color, some 
in calico, some in bombazine, and some in 
silk; their hats or bonnets, (if you please;, 
were neat, fine and small, and those of the 
young ladies were trimmed with ribbon, but 
chiefly they excel in that art which conceals 
art. For although most of them are learned, 
the most learned ainonj^t lhe:u apiiroaci 



JI T P T O n I C A T, S K i: T (11 OF 



iion-ost (o nature. The eongri'siitiim aeenin- 
liaiiiej the organ in singiiis. nnil Imlh imom 
;i:rl wntnen have Rooks in thoir lian<ls. But 
noihing tliat has gone before ean give any 
i l.:i of the iieavenly smile whieli sat npon 
llie faee of the j)reaolier, anil tlie begniling 
ease of his gestnres. If lie is not jierfeetion, 
tliere is none on earth. Though I am 
strongly ])rejnfliee(l against jiriests, I eonhl 
almost be brought to believe this man was 
a <"bristian, his fare was never wilhont 
a smile. 

"They have none of that silly gelling nji 
innl getting down, and eontinnal motion of 
■otiier ehurehes, and if I were to believe, 
what I do not, that there were any Chris- 
tianity in ilie rnitefl States, I would say it 
had lied to these Moravians for proloetion. 
In saying this. 1 wish to be understood that 
1 have found a great deal of lilierality, 
generosity, and good feeling, l)ut no t'hris- 
t ians agreeably to the requisites of the gospel. 
'I'hosc wlio have and are making so mueh 
noise about religion, as they call it, seem to 
be more uj)on the -Jewish j>lan. But this is 
nt> more than an opinion, — to return, if tliere 
be any of the meek religion of tlie gospel in 
our land it is amongst these Moravians. It 
vas not the Rev. Seidel who preaohed, nor 
do I know his name, ho was quite an orator. 

■• Tlie only singularity I saw was the men 
-,iuil women go out of the Cliureh at ojipositc 
jioints, doubtless to prevent the young gen- 
tlemen from gallanting the young ladies. 
This w.as the only church in Avhieh I ever 
vaw window curtains \ised. The windows 
are of .amazing height and width, and every 
•one has a large, fine, white curtain before 
it, with lead fastened to the bottom to keeji 
it in its place, otherwise the Church is with- 
out ornament. The pulpit is very high, and 
the priest walks into it from another jiortion 
of the Church. 

" After Church was out, Mrs. Seidel accom- 
panied me through the Young Ladies' 
Academy, which, like that at Nazareth, docs 
Dot consist of one entire large hall, like High 
schools or some Academics; but every class 
has a hall or class room to themselves. They 
dine in one great hall, and sleep in another ; 



1 which ]dan of all sleejiing in one room I do 
not api»rove, f<.ir though the room is high 
and airy, I am of the o|>«nion that many 
human beings, inhaling, as they must do, 
each others breath, cannot be lieallhy. As 
respects this .\cadeniy, nothing wotild be 

I more easy than to throwthis largeroom into 

! chambers. 

" The cooking de])artment is also in the 
saine building; this is the best construcltd 

I and in the neatcstorder of any I have visited 
in the Atlantic country, excepting that at 
the Hosjiital at Boston. 

"As it was Sunday. I lost the jdeasr.rr < f 
hearing the young ladies jday, or if seeing 
them at work, though they were all in the 
rooms occupied in comiTion for study. 

i '-This was certainly the ca]istoue of llic 
climax, and what I had for many years 
back ardently longed to see, and though 
fancy was raised to the highest stretch, 
fell short of the burst of innocence, beauty, 
and elegance which met my eye at the 
opening of each door. The retiring modesty 
of some, the polished urbanity of others, the 
snowy arm, the delicate hand, the soft 
friendly smile, the spiral ringlet, the dim- 
jilod cheek. I lingered at each door, lost in 
admiration. As at jrazareth,they severally 
arose from their scats, and made a graceful 
courtesj- as tlioy were introduced. There 
were some from all parts oi the United 
Slates, and some from the Islands, some 
weVe small girls and some were grown. I 
was mueh pleased to find Miss Bibbs there, 
from Alabama, with whose jiarents I had 
formerly a slight acquaintance. 

"There was at this time a thin school, on 
account of a vacation, from sickness; if I 
recollect, the first time the institution was 
visited with sickness. There are, however, 
more applicants than can be accommodated. 
This is much to be lamented, as it is cer- 
tainly the best female seminary in the 
United States. It is wholly under the con- 
trol of the United Brethren of Germany, 
who, it appears, do not seek to enlarge it, 
though the profits go to establish other 
seminaries elsewhere. 



r, rTiTLEnEM, Pennsylvania. 



" Tho yniiiij ladies chowcd mo their frames 
AviUi llip imfiiiisiicd work, which surpassed 
heauty. Tliey have introduced what is 
called rihl)!)!! work, recently taught hy a 
Ccrman lady. Tiiis is very ingenious, and 
ii.1.5 still a riolier appearance than the com- 
mon way wilh floss silk. The rihbon work 
i; sliaded like the floss, very narrow and 
<-'iriously worked into flowers and figures of 
a'.l cortj and sliapcs ; it is richer and much 
easier done. The ebony work is a very nse- 
f-.il work and a great curiosity; ever;-tlung 
almost i; made of it. The worsted work is 
also beatitiful, hearth rugs, or anything you 
fancy is made of it. But the literary part of 
the education is by far the most important. 
" Bethlehem is on the river Lehigh and a 
s7nall creek called the Jlanaken, 64 miles 
from rhiladjiphia. Tho town begins on an 
eminence, and descends to the banks of the 
latter, a handsome stream. The i)rospect is 
nut so handsome as that of Nazareth, as the 
Lehigh mountains approach too near the 
town, and confine the view within too nar- 
row limits. It is, however, a lively town, 
the peojile pvirsuing a variety of business as 
in other towns. It owns a great number of 
mills, tanneries a)id breweries, and contains 
about 3000 inhabitants, (1S28;. There are 
also handsome flov,-er gardens, shrubberies 
and pleasure grounds adjoining the academy, 
all of which, with pure air, fine water, and 
a rich surrounding soil, hut above all the 
refined and pleasing manners of the inhabi- 
tants, render it a delightful summer retreat, 
and to which nnmbcrs of tho ,Southern 
gentry resort during the warm months. All 
those who travel for amusement or curiosity 
ought to visit those interesting towns." 

I.Irs. lioyal writi-s iiKjre at length about 
Nazaretli and Bethlehem, and seems to have 
been much prepossessed in favor of the 
Moravians, which speaks well for them, as 
she handles " all the world, and the rest of 
mankind," without gloves. She, however, 
over estimates t!ie population in 1S28. In 
1S30, the town only contained 800 inhabi- 
tants; and in 1840, but 1,622 souls. 

Prince Maxarailian, of Wied, in his trav- 
els in t!ie interior of North America^ in 1832 



and 1833, (a fine work, handsomely illus- 
trated with eighty-five superb engravings, 
translated from the Gcrrrian, printed in Lon- 
don in 1843, and sold at the rate of $200 jicr 
copy,) thus writes of the undergrowth o f 
immense Mountain Laurel on the Lehigh 
Hills, on the south side of the Lehigh River, 
near Bethlehem. " We saw here a thick 
covert of the tall lihododendron Ma:n'mv7iif 
which was still, (August 2nd, 1832.) adorned 
with magnificent tufts of flowers." 

Neuwicd, also calls attention to the C!c- 
Jtorttim Iiiti/hiis, with its beautiful flowers, 
white and blue, which grows so plentifully 
on the roadsides in the vicinity of Bethle- 
hem : it woulil make a handsome garden 
flower. 

Prince Maxamilian remained for some time 
at Bethlehem, at what is now known as 
" Fetter's Hotel," then kept hy Captain 
■Woehler, an old soldier of the great Najio- 
leon, and a Westphalian by birth. The 
veteran's remains now rejiosc in the Old 
Grave Yard. In his life-time, the Cajitaiu 
often spoke of" Prince Max," whom he drove 
all over the surrounding country, during his 
visit to Bethlehem and its vicinity. 

Captain Woehler occupied the fine olil 
stone house in Water Street, oi)iiosite the 
Tannery. lie was a Moravian, and his house 
was kept wilh true German neatness, and 
there he dispensed to Iiis guests Lager beer, 
wine and pretzles only. His liquids were 
kept as cool as ice, by the waters of the cele- 
brated Spring that supjilies the town with 
water, and which was on his jJremises. The 
massive walls, the solid oak floorings and 
staircases of the house, are well worth a visit. 
No such private buildings are erected in 
these degenerate days. 

James N. Beck, m his pleasing little sketch 
es of " Music by Night, and Trout in the 
Morning," published in 18(15 ; eulogizes the 
polite old Captain; and of his charming 
neiee, writes thus : " Luischen, modest, full 
orbed waiteress of the Carivansera, a comely 
German lass, whose good tempered noncha- 
lance, at times recalled to my mind Johann 
Ludwig Glein's stanza, in 'Das Maedchen 
Tom Laude." 



74 



niSTORICAI- PKKTrn OP 



** Wio fliesst ('ii*. dti Mnfiiclu-n 
So riihi^ (lasMul I 
Dil Mucdclu'il voni I^iihJo, 
Vt'h* M.sttlu so gilt," 

** Iji)ui:?a! sho nf Oie j)uro Gerinan accent, 
ever anticipated out \vi:;he?, with a grace a9 
cliariii^ng as it was uuassiuning ; may the 
iniirinuring, rijipling waters of the Monoe- 
kasy outside, soreiiaJe her fur many ensuing 
years." 

The only copy of Xeuweid's work in the 
United States, is owned by Mr. Wm. Theo- 
dore Roepper, of Bjtlileiiem, Professor of 
Mineralogy and Geology, in the Lehigh 
University. 

Gordon's Gazetteer, of Pennsylvania, ]s;;2, 
says of Betlile'.iem, " The situation on .a I'is- 
ing liill isparlicuhirly romantic ; afnie niill- 
slreamand theLeliigli Canal i)assing througix 
the hjwcr part of the t(.>wn, affording con- 
siderable facilities to business. Tlie number 
of private dwellings in the year 1831, am- 
ounted to 112. The public buildings con- 
sisted of a remarkably large church, a board- 
ing school for young ladies, established since 
the year 1788, a school house for boys, and 
two peculiar establisluncnts, in one of which 
a number of widows fin<l an asylum in their 
old age, and in the other, unmarried women 
chiedy, likewise of an advanced age, board 
together under proper regulations, and the 
guardianship of the Society. The town eon- 
tains 800 inhabitants, &c." The account is 
very long, and particularly interesting, but 
it contains nothing not already related and 
de-scribed. 

On the 2,ith day of June, A. D. 1842, it be- 
ing the Ccntcitiii'at celebration of the settle- 
ment of Bethlehem, tho occasion was ob- 
served in the Moravian Church with aj)- 
propriate ceremonies, of which the fo'lowing 
is a brief account, kindly furnished by tho 
Rev. Edwin dc Schweinitz. 

1. June 24, 1842. In the evening prcpa- 
ra'ory service was held by the Rev. JohnG. 
Herman. 

2. June 25, 1S42, at 9 o'clock A. M., the 
first service of tho Centesimal celebration. 
Anthem by tho choir; hymn by the congre- 



gation; reading of a salutatory letter from tho 
Board of Elders at Bcrthelsdorf, in Saxony. 
Address in German and English, both by 
Rev. John G. Herman. 

3. Second service, at lOJ A. M. Reading of 
a Historical sketch of the founding and pro- 
gress of Bethlehem, in German, by Rev. P. 
H. Goepp. 

4. Third service at 3 o'clock P. M. ; a Li- 
turgical service; singing by the congrega- 
ti*>n. and anthem by tlie choir, and an 
address by (he Rev. Mr. Hecht, Pastor of the 
Lutheran church at Easton, Pa. At this 
service. Rev. Charles F. Seidel, presided. 

5. Fourth service, 8 o'clock, P. M. Held 
in the old burying-ground, which was illu- 
minated by more than 10t:0 lanterns of col- 
ored i)a[>or, and ccuiHi.stiiig of Liturgical 
oilicos by the congregation and choir. More 
than 2(100 persons were present, 

a. .Sunday, June 20, at 9 A.M., fifth ser- 
vice, for the children, held by the Rev. Peter 
Wolle,of Litz, Pa. 

r. At lOJ A. M., service by the Rev. G. F. 
Bahnson, of Lancaster, Pa,, in German. Text, 
John, 15, If.. 

8. At ." P. M., seventh service ; sermon in 
English by the Rev. David Bigler, of Phila- 
delphia. • Text, Habak. .•?, 2. 

9. At 74 o'clock, P. M., the eighth and last 
service was the ordination of four Dcaconsof 
the Moravian Church to tho Priesthood, by 
Bishop Andrew Benade, as a fitting conclu- 
sion to so eventful an occasion. 

The United States Gazetteer, printed in 
New York in 1843, says :" Bethlehem, which 
is characterized by great neatness and order, 
is on the north bank of the Lehigh river, at 
the mouth of the Monokacy creek. Tho 
ground rises gradually from the river ami 
creek, and gives a commanding situation to 
tho view ; it is compactly built on a street 
running North and South, and two other 
streets running east from tho main street. 
It contains a large stone church, in tho 
Gothic style, 142 feet long and OS feet wide, 
with a small tower rising from the centre, 
and surrounded by a dome. There is a bury- 
ing ground to the north-cast of the village, 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



75 



laid out with great neatness and taste, in 
wliich the graves have the head to the 
North. 

" There are about 200 dwelling houses, be- 
side other buildings. There is a bridge over 
the Lehigh 400 feet long. This place has 
long been celebrated for a female school of 
high order, conducted by the Moravians, in 
which many highly respectable ladies of 
the Middle States have received their edu- 
ca.iou. 

"The Lehigh canal passes along the river 
through the lower part of the place. It con- 
tains 4 stores, capital S1G,500 ; capital in 
manufacluries, $88,000; 1 college, 8 students; 
2 academies, 175 students; 2 schools, 169 
scholars. Population, 1622." 

Bethlehem was incorporated as a Borough 
on the 6th of March, 1845 ; and the first elec- 
tion for Borough officers, was held on the 
third Friday in March, 1845, and resulted as 
follows : — 

Charles A. Luckenbach, Burgess. 

Philip H. Goepp, Councilman. 

Benjamin Eggcrt, " 

Ernst F. Eleck, « 

John M. Micksh, « 

Christian Luckeubach| " 

Charles L. Knauss, " 

Christian Weber, Treasurer. 

Samuel Brunner, Clerk. 

Matthew Brown, Supervisor. 

Augustus Milcbsack, _ " 

Charles W. Eaucb, High Constable. 

The late Eev. Louis David de Schweinitz, 
one of the most Icarnec'. and eloquent divine 
of the Moravian Church in America, wrote 
some interesting and instructive little 
sketches for the amusement of his children; 
one of these, the Bethlehem alphabet, has 
already been inserted, and the following, re- 
lating toone of the most inlliiential and nu- 
merous of all the families of Bethlehem, is 
full of wit, and proof of the assertion. 
Mj Pint Visit to Bethlehem. 
" On my late journey to Wilksbarre, I was 
pleased with the prospect of spending an 
cfternoon at the pleasant village of Bethle- 
hem. I had been detained at Quakertown, 



so as to miss the morning stage, and was 
upon the point of giving up my 2>lan, when 
I was informed that a Mr. Luckenbach 
(David) from Bethlehem, who kept a hack, 
was ready to start for that place, having but 
one passenger. I eagerly embraced the op- 
portunity, and found that passenger an old 
friend of mine. As my friend was intimate- 
ly acquainted with Bethlehem, and its im- 
mediate vicinity, I gladly acceded to his 
proposal, when we reached the summit of a 
hill within a near view of the town, to alight 
and walk on foot, in order to enjoy the de- 
lightful scenery. After walking a few paces 
I my attention was arrested by a young man 
in the adjoining fiebl ploughing unusually 
deep furrows, and remarking to my friend 
j that they appeared so to mo, he replied that 
Mr. Luckenbach (George) was noted for his 
deep ploughing. 

"Continuing our walk we soon arrived at 
the bridge over the Lehigh, and were civil- 
ly stopped at the gate by the toll-keeper, an 
old Mr. Luckenbach, (Adam) to receive the 
toll, and while we were making some inqui- 
ries of him concerning tlie rise of the river 
at the late freshet, a j'oung gentleman on 
horseback came up, whom my friend shook 
hands with, informing me that he was a 
Mr. Luckenbach, (Charles Augustus) who 
had recently purchased the Mill property. I 
confess I began to wonder at the frequency 
of the name, and was just going to remark 
on it, when we came up with a person car- 
rying a fowling-piece, accompanied by two 
dogs, whom my friend addressed as Mr. 
Luckenbach, (Samuel) telling me he acted 
as Forester to the town. 

" On the bridge across the canal we stopped 
to admire this fine work, and were contem- 
plating a new house just erecttd there, when 
I was surprised to hear a person call out Mr. 
Luckenbach! (Jacob) to the master builder, 
who was sitting on the rafters, and make 
some inquiries of him. We then went down 
the tow-path of the canal, and walked up to 
the Lock to see a couple of .4j7,-» just passin». 
The lock-keeper, I immediately understood, 
was a Mr. Luckenbach, (Samuel, Sr.) and I 
observed to my friend that it was strange 



iG 



n I s T u r r A I, p k k t r ii of 



t)i:it wo slunilil mcctall tlic Luckenbacli s <if 
t!ic toH-ii licfcirc we entered it. I fouuiluiy- 
felf. liowovnr, inislalion, for the first si;;n- 
iK.anl whieli ftriick my siv;lit in tiittn, i:i- 
f.i:-:iiO(l till' tliat there liveil a Mr. I.uel;eii- 
bacli, (William I!.) a cnppersnii'.h. When 
M'e ap]>roaeheil tlio " Eagle Tavern," we .saw 
a luimherof jierions a.?5e:iible.l before il,aml 
iiiiderstood that tliev were tlie Committee, 
inuler whoso care and sni>eri:ilendenco are 
tlie various water-works, b_v wiiieh water is 
inlrodiieed, and iiiv f:ieiid, with a smile, 
jioinleil out to 1110 a Mr. Luekenliac"', fChris- 
tian) the Cliairniai:, ai a jierson remarkable 
for his knowledge on siieli siilijeels. 

"By this timo it be-;an to f;ro\v lale. a:id 
the ehureh bell ringing, I learned Cia'. a 
marriage was to lake place in the ch'.indi ae- 
eording to the Moravian enslom. liesirous 
of witnessing the eeremoiiy, I repaired 
Ihillier, my friend aeeompanied me, and 
took ]ileasnre in inereasing my astonish- 
ment, by informing me that the young man 
who t\'as to be married was a ^^r. Lneken- 
bach, (William .)r.) a eabinet-maker. Being 
invited to remain when the meeting broke 
uj) in order to be present at the ceremony 
whieh with the Jloravians is in the plaec of 
a Wedding dinner, I aceepted. After some 
lime, the company being seated, a middle- 
aged elergyman entered and ooenpied the 
usual plaeo of the minister; after he hail ad- 
dressed a few words of congratulation to the 
young couple, he commenced singing, du- 
ring whieh wine and biscuit were handed 
around. My friend told me that the clergy- 
man was the Rev. Mr. Lucdcenbach , (.Abra- 
ham) a highly valuable missionary among 
the Moravian Indians in Canada, now on a 
visit to his friends in Bethlehem. And I 
ceased to wonder at the number of Luid;en- 
bachs, and their various oeeupalions, wlien 
I was informed that at (his wedding all the 
relatives of the parties liad been invited, and 
there was present on the part of the bride- 
groom, 1 grandfather and 1 grandmother: 3 
great uncles and .■? great aunts : 1 father and 
1 mother; 17 uncles and ]S aunts; 10 bro- 
thers and sisters, and 21 first cousins, ma- 
king 80 near relatives, members of the 



Society, and all descended from old Mr. 
Luckenbach,who had been dead forupwards 
of SO years. O'ml mirc the Luckcnbackii !" 

The following Ohilnartj is copied from The 
Moravian. 

"Died, at Bethlehem, Pa, December 1, 
1SG7, very suddenly, Mrs. Elizabeth Luck- 
enback, relict of the late David Luekenbaeli , 
in the .S5th yearof her age. 

" The deceased was one of I lie oldest mem- 
bers of thechnrch at Bethlehem. Foroj years 
she lived with her husband on one of the 
river farms, Ijcloiiging to the eliureli, in tlio 
r>Id homestead, the .-^ite of whieh is now oc- 
cupied by theUailroail oHices of the Lehigh 
Valley Kailroad in llie jiresent borough of 
South BelhUhem. 

'• She was the mother often children all of 
whom are living, and had sixty-si.\ grand- 
children, and forty-three great grandchild- 
ren, together one hundred and nine child- 
ren's children, of whom, however, thirty 
died before her. Direct descendants to Ilic 
number of eighty-nine survive her." 

The Act of Parliament of 22 George the 
Second, 1749, in 7th Statutes at Large, Chap. 
30lh, page 155, <te., Iiereiubeforo alluded to 
as recognizing the Unilaa Fratrum as a Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church, is as follows: — 

'• An act for encouraging the people known 
by the name of Vin'tas Fiutritm, or Vnitcd 
Brethren, to settle in liis M.ajesty's Colonies 
in America." 

" )Vftcrc'i8 many of the people of the 
church or congregation called the Vrilnt 
Frutnim or United Di'ethreii^ arc settled in 
his M.ajesly's Colonies in America, and de- 
mean themselves there as a sober, quiet and 
industrious People; and many others of the 
same persuasion are desirous to transport 
themselves to, and make larger settlements 
in the same Colonies at their own expense, 
provided they may be indulged with a full 
Liberty of Conscience, and in the exercise of 
the religion they profess; and several of the 
said Brethren do conscientiously scruple the 
taking of an oath, an<l likewise do conscien- 
tiously scruple bearing arms, or serving in 
any military capacity, although thev aro 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



•7 



willing and ready to contribute whatever 
Bums of money sliall be tliouglit a reasona- 
ble compensation for such service, and 
which sliall be necessary for the defence 
and support of his Majesty's Person and 
Government: — Ami whereas the said Cougrega- 
tiona are an Auetent Protestant Episcopal Church 
which has been countenanced and relieved 
by the Kings of England, j-our Majesty's 
predecessors. And whereas the encouraging 
the said People to settle in America will be 
beneficial to the said Colonies; therefore 
may it i:)lease your Majesty at the humble 
petition of Abraham, Baron ofGitsdor^; Lewis 
Baron Schrauteuback free Lord of Lindhciin ; 
David Nitschmann Syndic ; Charles Sebachniann 
Baron oi Hermsdorf, and Henri/ Cossart, agent. 
Deputies from the said Moravian Churches, 
in Behalf of themselves and their United 
/?re(/!rcii, that it may be enacted ; and be it 
therefore enacted by the King's most Excel- 
lent Majesty, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, 
and Commons, in this present Parliament 
assembled, and by the authority of the 
Earae, that from and after the 24th day of 
June, 1740, every person being a member 
of the said Protestant Episcopal Church, 
known by the Name of Unitas Fratrum, or 
the United Brethren, and which Church was 
• formerly settled in Moravia and Bohemia arid 
also now in Prussia, Poland, Silesia, Lnsatia, 
(jermany, the United Provinces, and also in 
Ilis Majesty's Dominions, who shall be re- 
quired upon any lawful occasion to take an 
oath in any ease whereby law an oath is or 
shall be required, shall, instead of the usual 
form, be permitted to make his or her sol- 
emn affirmation or declaration in these words 
following : — - 

** ^ I, A. B., do declare iu the presence of 
Almighty God, the witness of the truth of 
what I say.'" 

" Which said solemn affirmation or decla- 
ration shall be adjudged and taken, and is 
hereby enacted and declared to be of the 
fame force and effect, to all intents and 
purposes, in all Courts of Justice, and other 
places where by law an oath is or shall be 
required, within the kingdoms of Great Bri- 



tain and Ireland, and also in all and everyof 
his Majesty's Colonies and Dominions in 
America, as if such person had taken an 
oath in the usual form." 

There are seven other sections of the Act. 
Penalty for false affirming. Not to extend 
to criminal cases. Moravians summoned 
to do military duty to be discharged on 
payment of the rate assessed; and that any 
person claiming the benefit of the act should 
produce a certificate of membership, signed 
by some Bishop of the Church, Ac, all of 
which are now without interest to any one. 

In a work entitled the " Pictorial Slcetch- 
Buok of Pennsi/h-aniri," cditei by Eli Boweii, 
and printed in 1S53, is a note on page ."Ofi, 
on the Origin and History of the Moravi- 
ans, from which the following extract is 
made; the first part of which must be taken 
cum grano ealis, as no autiiority is given for 
the statement. The Ancient Brethren's 
Church dates only from the 1st of March, 
1457. 

" In the 9th century, a sister of the 
King of Bulgarvia, being carried a prisoner 
to Constantinople, became a Christian, and 
through her means, on her return to her na- 
tive land, a Christian church was estab- 
lished iu her native country, of which the 
king of Moravia and the duke of Bohemia 
were members. A part of these churohca 
were afterwards forced into the Roman 
Church, but a select few still refused to be 
merged into it. This little remnant, adher- 
ing to the pure and simple doctrines of tlie 
primitive church, suffered, a variety of per- 
secutions for several centuries, hut were at 
length permitted to live in a wasted pro- 
vince on the borders of Moravia. Here they 
established a church in 1457, on what they 
deemed the rule and law of Christ, calling 
themselves at first, "Brethren of the law of 
Christ," and finally, the "United Brethren." 
As there are other denominations styling 
themselves United Brethren, they are now 
usually called Moravians. 

"The celebrated missionary. Count Zin- 
zendorf, was not the founder of the Mora- 
vian church, as many have supposed; but 
was merely the Protector of some of the 



78 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



mi'rabers when driven from their native 
lanil. T!iey were allowed to settle in liis 
village of Bethelsdorf. He assisted to re- 
organize their church, and after fruitless 
attempts to induce them to join the Lutheran 
church, ho became himself a convert to their 
doctrines, and subseiiuently their leader 
and guardian, e?]iecially in ten)j)oral af- 
fairs." 

The Jloravians are referred to in several 
places in the same work, and a mythical aii- 
c'ldote is related of Count Zinzeiulorf, copied 
from Chapman's History of 'Wyoming Val- 
lev,p.24(i,<tc., of a rattlesnake which crawled 
over his feet, without Iiarming him, while 
he was sitting before a fire in an Indian 
tent, during one of his missionary visits to 
■ the Shawaneso tribe of Indians of Wyoming 
Vallev. An occurrence notat all unlikely, as 
it was a cool evening, and the snake was 
t.v'.cing the warmth ; but tl>o story sounds 
vjry much like the account of St. Paul shak- 
ing the viper from oil' his hand into the 
lire, on the Isle of Melita. See Acts of the 
Apostles, 28 Chapter, and the first six verses. 
Cliapmau says in a note, that the occurrence 
is not mentioned in the Count's memoirs, 
lest the Brethren should think that the 
conversion of a jiart of the Shawanese In- 
dians was attributable to their supersti- 
tion. 

The following interesting aocouutof Hope, 
is copied from the " Historical Collections of 
theStato of New Jersey," by William Barber, 
and Henry Howe, published in New York, 
in the year 1817, p. -l'.)!, Ac. 

"In l"G9'the Moravians from Be(hlehcin, Pa., 
purchased a tract of about 1000 acres at this 
place of Mr. Green, who lived in a log bouse on 
the hill, a few rods from the Christian church. 
The Moravians who lived here were remarkably 
honest in all their dealings, but by trusting 
too much to the honesty of those with whom 
they had business, suffered in their pecuniary 
affairs. In 1S05 or ISOC, they rehirnod to their 
EctllemcDts at Bethlehem and Nazareth. Wiiile 
hero tbcy erected a church and a tavern, which 
last stood where the Christian church is now 
erected, and was burnt a few years since. The 
anne.\cd engraving is a representation of the 
Uoiuu Hotel in the village, built of liuiestone. 



This structure was 6roctcd in 17S1, and was 
originally the Moravian church, being sur- 
mounted by a cupola, which has since been 
taken down, and a portico added. 

" In the village buryinggruund at Hope, nro 
the graves of about 10 or jO Moravians; a slab 
of grey stone about two feel long is placed ho- 
rizontally over each grave, each with a simple 
inscription recording the name, birth, and 
death. The following is a copy of two of the ia- 
scriptions. 

JVb. 33. 

CONRAD OMENSETTER, 

Bou.N Dkcembek ISlh, 1710, 

In Gkkmany. 

DEPARTED 

July-1, 1792. 



MAUIA SALOME BLUM, 
Boiis Ju.vE lltb, 1718, 

I.N UOI'E, 

DEPARTED, 

Attijust 30, 1778. 

" The United Brethren, or Moravians, derive 
their origin from the Ureek Church in the 9th 
century. The Society, as at present, was 
placed on a permanent foundation in 1722, by 
Count Zinzendorf, a German nobleman. At 
the commencement of the last century, after 
more than 200 of their congregations had been 
destroyed or dispersed by persecutions in Mo- 
ravia, a small remnant found refuge on his es- 
tates in Sa.iony, and through his patronage 
built llcrnhut, now their largest settlement. 
Count Zinzondorf, the instrument of renewing 
their church, was subsequently consecrated one 
of their Bishops, and from tbeuccforth devotod 
his life to the cause. Individuals of all relig- 
ious denominations united with them, and gave 
rise to such a diversity of sentiment, that it was 
considered judicious to unite upon some general 
rules of agreement. Accordingly, under Iho 
guidance of the Count, cortnin articles of union 
were concurred in, which omitting the distinc- 
tive doctrines of the various Protestant denom- 
inations, adopted only tlie generally adra'tted 
fundamental truths of Scripture. The United 
Brethren, therefore, object to being considered 
as a separate sect, inasmuch as their own pecu- 
liarities arise principally from their social or- 
ganization. Individuals of all Protestant de- 
nominations, consequently, have always been 
admitted into their communities without rc- 
DOUDcing their peculiar creeds. Discussions 
relating to the Trinity, and other speculative 
truths are carefully avoided; but they maku 



H r T II L E It E M, P E N N S Y L V A K I A. 



iO 



the merits of the Saviour the principal theme 
of their discourses, and the only ground of sal- 
vation. High wrought emotions engendered 
by momentary impulses, are nut coi.silered as 
suro teita of piety ai a d.iily upright and hum- 
ble deportment. Thj J/„n,om/i C/iurrh ii 
Ephcnpal, and has a liturgy, but Iboir Liishops 
possess no pre-eminent aulhority. 

'■The B.-elhren cirly turned their .itlention 
to this country, with llie yiew of propagating 
the gospel among the Indians. In 173o they 
temporarily citablisbcd themselves in S.ivan- 
nah, but abandoned and re(iinic(/(?) to Penn- 
s;, Ivaniu, in consequence of being obliged, if 
they remained, of falsing up arms with the 
Spaniards against the English. Here it was, 
it is believed, that the great founder of Metho- 
dism, John Wesley, became acquainted ivith 
them, from whom he imbibed some of his pecu- 
liar sentiments. In 1741 they settled uear the 
forlis of the Delaware. Count Zinzendorf, then 
on a missionary tour in America, visited this 
place at Christmas, in that year, and lodged in 
a log hut attached to which was a stalilo. From 
this circumstance the name of Bethlehem was 
given to the settlement. 

"The Count was undoubtedly pre-eminently 
fitted for a pioneer in (he cause. He is repre- 
sented to have been one of the most c.\tr.aordi- 
nary divines that has appeared since the Re- 
formation—a man of fervent piety, powerful 
imagination, original genius, and extensive re- 
quirements, and a sound, though perhaps, 
eccentric theologian. In his portrait he was 
dresse 1 in a plain, single-breasted coat, a man- 
tle partially thrown over the shoulder, an.l a 
white cravat, gathered iu a simple fold; (he 
hair darJ!, smoothly parted on the left side, and 
hanging in graceful ringlets down (he Geek 
and shouiders; the forehead high and even ; 
eye ].enetrating ; nose, long and aquiHne; 
mouth large, but well formed, and the general 
csprcs.-ion highly inteileetual, denoting purity 
of thought and bencvalence. When here, ho 
travelle.l much among the Indians, generally 
on horscbadt, l,ut not unfrequciilly on foot. 
Once or twice ho narrowly escaped being slain 
by Ihem. 

'• No people h.ave probably done so much in 
the cause of missions, in proportion to their 
means, as the Moravians. The sufferings and 
devotodness of their missionaries have been 
without a parallel, and many intcrestin>^ anec- 
dotes are given of them. They hav^ gone 
forth single-h.and3d and unknown, amon<- the 
Earago population of (ho West Indies, tlie'sour 
licentious hordes of Greenland, and the savao-e« 
of our own country. In some instances (..."in 



others nearly //(J, years have elapsed ere they 
saw any fruit; yet ihey continued ti labor, full 
of faith, struggling agaiust misrepresentations, 
suffering aad loss of life. 

" The number of missionaries, with their 
wives, employed in IS.'IS, was 230. Those had 
J1,000 Souls under their care, of whom lii.OOQ 
were communicants. Giving to their simpla 
mode of living, and the practice, i;i somo in- 
stances, of supporting themselves by personal 
labor, this great scheme of missionary effor' 
has been conducted on a very economical 
scale. Tlie annual outlay of the Society f..r 
the support of their 42 stations, ponfions to 
returned missionaries and widows, and the 
education and apprenticing of their children, 
and other expenses, amounts to about $50 
000. 

" There are at present in the United States 
several societies of Moravians, besides their in- 
dependent communities; but as they do not 
come under their social regulations, cannot in 
the fullest sense be considered as belonging to 
them. Their communities ari at Bethlehem, 
Xazareth, and Liliz, in Pennsylvania, and at 
Salem, in North Carolina. 

" Bethlehem, their largest town, has about 
1000 inhabitants, who are mainly of German 
descent, and speak and worship in that lan- 
guag.'. The village is romantically located, 
compactly built, and combines the attractions 
of both town and couutry. Their government 
is administered by a Board elected bienuiallv. 
Tho land belongs to the Sjciety, and is let out 
f T building-lots, and other purpose.', at a tri- 
fling annual rent. This enables them to keep 
their village free from unworthy persons; but 
they ever admit of the temporary ro^-idence of 
such as are willing to conform to their external 
regulations. The inhabitants are engaged iu 
the usual mechanical, mercantile and agricultu- 
ral employments, and some have acquired con- 
siderable property. It was formerly the custom 
here, and is still in Germany, t) have separate 
establishments fur such as had not families, 
vi^., the ' Single Brethren's House,' (or young' 
men and apprentices, where they lived and 
carried on their respective employments : tho 
' Sister's House,' fur the abode of unm.arried 
females; and the ' Widow's House.' But as 
the Society has increased in wealth, the neces- 
sity for them has vanished, and it is believed 
they do not now c.\ist any where in (he Union. 
i ".Meetings are held every evening in the 
I week. Sunday mornings the litany is road, 
and a sermon delivered in the church ; scrvicea 
are also performed in the evening. Ccrtai i 
festival days, such as Easter, Peutioost, Christ^ 



80 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



tnaSf &c., are culebratod. As usual nmong tlio 
Goruiunf:, grc»t attention is paid to music; and 
almost every dwelling haa its piano, and it 
forms one of the most interesting features of 
their public worsiiip. Before the Lord's Supper 
they have a Love Ft<t«t, when all a:^sumble ex- 
pressly to listen to vucal and instrumental mu- 
eio, interspersed with hymns, in which the con- 
gregation join, whilo they partake of a cup of 
coffco, tea, or chocolate, and light cakes, in 
token of fellowship and brotherly union. Easter 
morning is devoted to a solemnity of a peculiar 
kind. At sunrise the congregation assemble in 
thogravcyard ; a service accompanied by music, 
is celebrated, expressive of the joyful hopes of 
immortality and resurrection, and a solemn coin- 
inemorutiun of those who in the course of the 
last year, hiivo gone to heaven. 

" Soon as a person dies the event is announced 
by solemn instrumental music, from a band 
stationed in the church tower. Different tunes 
are played, signifying the sex, ago, a.id condi- 
tion of the deceased, so it then usually is known 
ivho is dead. These death hymns, sounding a> 



(hey always do, upon the still morning orcvcn 
ing air, must have a singularly melancholy 
effect upon the hearer, reuiiuJing him that ho 
too is mortal. Their funeral services are usually 
performed in the Church, from ihcnec the con. 
gregation march to the grave preceded by .1 
band of music. If the deceased is a female, the 
ladies follow first after (he coffin, if a male, the 
reverse. They consider death as no evil, but 
the entrance to eternal bliss, and therefore do 
not mourn for friends, nor wear insignia of 
grief. In alluding to the departed, they use 
the expression " hcim gehon," signifying !h:it 
they have gone hotnc. The grave-yard, like 
most of this denomination, is laid out as a gar- 
den, and planted with trees, under which are 
seats for visit<irs. The graves are void of the 
disagreeable coffin-like shape of our own, but 
resemble flower-beds, and in many cases arc 
covered with myrtle and o!her ornament;il 
plants. The monuments arc small slabs, laid 
horizontally on the graves, the inscriptions 
uppermost, and bc.^ring simply the name, age, 
and place of decease." 



r i: T 11 L E II r Ji, r i: n x v- \ l \ a x i a. 



81 




BETHLEHEM. 



i'iiArTJ:u X. 

Moravian i\Ii:Mui!iES. — Modern Bf;TnLEiii:M. 
— THE Old Grate Yakd. — Funeral Cere- 

MOXIKS OF THE JIoRAYIANS. — TsCHOOr. — Ta- 
DEUSKUXC, ANlxnOTE OF THE COIEF, THE FI- 
GURE ON Indian KocK ON TUE WissAiiicoN, — 
David Kitschmann. — Dn. Kobert Dcdley 
lioss. — MounviN'G Press not worn by the 
Moravians. — The Passing Bell. — Easter 
Morning Ci:LrBnATiON. — Drives, Walks, 

AND rLACrS OF IXTTRnST NEAR BETHLEnEM. 

— Dr. Ma'jriceC. Jones and the Fkemden- 
riENER's, — Moravians in early times. 

MORWIAN MEMOniE.^. 



i;t g:.\. wm. emil doster. ISOG. 

Th^re yon Chiirrh t"Wer'3 Fiimmits bigli and lio;ii'y. 
Point, lika gray-man tli'd rnijilicts, up towards tbe sky 
"Where sj)er.k3 yon d.Jino .Alur.ivij. 3 oliU-u glory, 

S-Teiic and Iiigli. 

'"litre aojinda mystc.lcus, soul-entlirallirg numbers, * 
T'lelling in sunlight, as sad Mcuiu )n';i voice of old — 
tju.'^t as the niernif.id's strain tlia'- wooes tlie twilight 
slumbers, 

Are gontly rolled. 

Tie have heard ihem Lh-ndiug v.ilh your nia'.in dream- 

To have ca;ij;ht t!ie;r car^ Is Kng'iing a'?r the lea, 
Y.-l:aveLeardihc:n tell, in vuicls niorj than ::eeniing — 
'■ 'Tis '.veil with nic!" 

Yet fra'cglit, th?s3 strnirs, witli W-'A ccd fearful mean- 
ly £> 
Tho lisfners pause, and muse with wondering tread — 

+ The Trombone choir aunounciiig a 'Icath Trcm the 
Btst'i'It-' cf the Church. 



Ihith l.tr'' the reaper paust.'d, — forevjr gleaning 

Amongst the dead? 

Yes; to a holier, calmer meditation 

Some BQul has passed — sume ppirit of our love 

Wakened amidst that wondrmis rrv^datinn 

That waits above I 

Gone, — gone forever! Tlrother ' well betide thee ! 
Sing on wliere holier lays shall call thco blest; 
Singon 'till we attune our harps beside theo 

In peaceful rest. 

And each d'^partid hath its own sweet token. f 
\Vhispered to loved ones in tint trumpet tone, 
Distilling dew o'er hearts with sorrow broken — 

From lleav'uly home. 
Memento beautiful ! that breathest consolation ; 
No shrieking, clanging, horror-brooding knell, 
Nor hail'at despair, nor sick'niug deFoiation 

Like tolling bell. 

g'lorious ritr.al ! E^senco of Heaven's creation 
In melody to mourn the sainted dead. 
Pouring, like Israel's bard, liis harp's oblation 

O'er Absalom's head. 

Elysian lyre, ye are fountains forever flowing 
O'er drooping flowers — echoes of angel's choirs, 
■\Vhero wbite-roljed fouls aie chanting, and forcvi r 
glowing 

■\Vith Ileavonly fires! 
And still suhlimcr far, ys sound to sad aflliction 
As wild as trump, triumphant o'er the blast, 
Shall Eouml to our great final resurrection 

Creation's last I 

Tliat Grave- yard chant on Tosnrrociion morning J 
Floating like peon towards tii' iipri.;i:;g cun — 
Emblem of Christ's triumphant Earth returning — 
The slau^htersd One 1 

fEach class has itspeculiarbymn tune performed by 
tho Trombonists. There are ctgbt classi-B. 

J Easter morning celebration in the Crave Yard. 



II I 5 T 11 I C A L SKETCH OF 



V:C!:c volri'p, toft, nppt'rr !i'.;.^ Mfiry's weeping. 
ii-M tfiirful ulTr ti;j «"iT luT S;»viiniv'i> lolllll — 
i '.UAi"n i'l'*>^'^' ll'^* bi'»t--i t^I niinsln-rs Hlecpim^ 

111 tliiivoiily bluuiii, 

Th It i;i-a:iii du iinH»:?:il, r-"I.le of 01irl:;tniji3 even,* 
.'.loiinil yon C liurch's nrclier! c»r<:IK-(l iierir nnil f.tr ; 
^'iii'li sjii,:;^ aiin^ th' iiiigelic host-*, liiiiliiig on oiiiiit 
liravcu 

Tlitit inoriiin^ iUrl 

Fliiill lliesi-iill ]ipri.-l! liU<' tlie <!o-.v rf iKDrning, 
ID viipory IiiiiiM"* ri-t'iilUf ', — to Ihlu.ius fur away ; 
Or sliiill tlicir frayniucL- ]iiillowi.>d Kartli ndorniii;; 
£u(lui(3 fur iiyf? 

Yc.H, let tlic>e inclodicfi lorevtT iircnihe tlu-ir r.iiii;b r.; — 

l'.\ til nty si'iil to pmcr. liolilcr lovo, 

'fill 1 ;tUM:a- ill;- liulp tlmt r.^vjr slum' or?*, 

lu ri-iiliii5 ;.bijvv ! 

lltcri ^w^ c]t o\r my s-ntil with ciitrfinrin^ cinotioti. 
^\ hen tary ciiriy niL-tli'-TL' wiu-ry the wiHow'^^aJ w-ivc. 
O. chant one l.i-t (hrs^e. ere I .il'Vi in Letlie's ";e:in. 
Anil ilream it ,s ia?t cell ■ in the ;x[ oni of tlie gi-av. 

Bothlohciii is iKit now, as in days of olil, 
appioaclioU fndii llio soulli tlirc>tij;li a wood. 
li\' a ljriille-]iatli, oi' by tlie I'ougli stage foittc, 
but by the more moileni innovation of tlie 
'• North ronnsylvania Haili'oad." The train, 
on leaving Ilellertown — famous for its trout 
an J trout sujijiers — winds around tbc eastern 
base of (lie Lebigh Mountains, on llie south 
side of the river of that name; and to tbc 
iiorlh-wcst, situated on a deelivity, you see 
Iha houses, schools, and ehurebes of that 
f.tinous old town. 

The first objeet that iiartieularly attracts 
ihe eye, is the im]iosing school edifice, situ- 
ated on the top of the hill. Near it looms 
iij) iu the distance, the sjiiro of tbc large Mo- 
ravian church, and the belfry, from which 
the trombones sound the call to that joyous 
f.-3t:val, the "Love Feast," or announce the 
i!osth cf one of the members of the brcth- 
r.'-.'s church. Sounding from on high in 
iLc air, the rad,yet sweetdirgesof thctroni- 
biinc3,fill ll'.e hearer with a jdeasing mclan- 
c'.ioly. It is one of those outward religious 
coro:nonic3 wliich the Moravians still ob- 
cei've. May i: long be cherished, and ever 
rc:nain as a mark of their gentle faith, far 
tec many of the forms and time-honored cus- 
to.r.s of the Chnrcli, have been abandoned, 
by thc! town and people bcconiing American- 
ized. 

* Kev. I'. K. Hai'in''* ht-.-iuifi:! a:;(ii?!n — '• Moriiin;^ 
Slur lliQ darkuasj break." 



It is related, '•That once ujmn a time," 
when a bend of hostile Indians had at night- 
fall secreted themselves on Ihe south bank of 
the Lehigh, with the intent to destroy the 
]>lace, and massacre its inhabitants, one of 
the brethren having died, the trombones, as 
usual, were sounded from tlie belfcj' of the 
Church, to communicate the loss to the in- 
fant settlement. Those sad, sweet dirges, 
three in number, announcing (he sex. age, 
and conilition in life, of the ileparted, breath- 
ed in mournful cadences rpon the evening 
air, like the wailing tones of an .I^olean 
harp, falling upon the ears of the lurking 
superstitioiis savages — who were watching 
the r:!c3 i f their Medicine Man — seemed to 
them to bo a warning from the Great Spirit. 
Thrillcil witli terror, t'lcy deserted their am- 
buscade, abandonc<l tlicir murderous project, 
and with silent, ra]ii<l steps, plunged into the 
depths of the forest, and soon left far behind 
them the spot and people protected, as they 
supposed, by the great Jlaiiitou." 

The air of Bethlehem is provocative of a 
good appetite, and it must be confessed, that 
Ihe inhabitants encourage it as much as )>os- 
sible, and then endeavor, with the utmost 
success, to gratify the desires they have ex- 
cited. The housekeepers are all e.\celleiit 
cooks, and provide abundantly. Visions of 
*' apple cahi','^ '^Moravian nuf/ar fa.tc," and 
other delicacies that continue to provoke ths 
appetite after the solids have been eaten, still 
lingerin the memory. For good living, better 
cannot be had than is obtained in the Hotels 
of thi^ ancient borough. 

The first visit of the stranger in Bethle- 
hem, is naturally to the Moravian Cemetery, 
situated near the centre of the town, and oc- 
cupying about five acres of ground. It i^ 
handsomely laid out with walks intersecting 
each other at right angles, having trees of va- 
rious kinds planted on the borders, principal- 
ly consisting of Poplar, Locust, Majile and 
Dog- wood. 

*■ lleacftth tIio.sc raggL'ii cJiiis, thiit yew trce*9 bhail-^, 
AVlicrc heaves the lurf in many a niouUering bean; 

Each in his narrow cell forever liiiil — 

The rude fuivfatlierd of the hamlet itlcep.^ 

This sacred fjiot is entirely free from all 



E E T n L E 11 E M, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



£3 



those ghastly monuments usually erected iu 
burial grounds, to beautify them ; but which 
render them places to be avoided by the sen- 
sitive, and fill the casual visitor with a thrill 
of dread in the day time, and with sensations 
«f horror in the night; and sometimes scare 
the wits out of nervous people. It is said 
f!iat on one occasion lately, it being neces- 
sary to change the place of repose of a de- 
])arted brother, the grave-digger took advan- 
tage of a fine moonlight night to eftect that 
purpose; it was quite late at night, and on 
reaching the cofiin lie found it would be ne- 
cessary to have a rope, for which he dis- 
l>atched liis son, who was assisting him, but 
who remained away so long on the errand, 
the old man became very impatient; hear- 
ing at last footsteps approaching on one of 
the walks near him, he supposed it was his 
dilatory assistant; stripped of his coat, in 
his white shirt sleeves, his hat oir, and his 
long white hair streaming in the wind, he 
raised up from the grave his tall white 
ghostly-looking figure, and with his deep 
'voice sarcastically said, " Komst ikn bald/" 
(i. c ), nre ijo,- conunrj 8011,1 ? Imagine the ter- 
ror of the belated wanderer, who was taking 
a short cut home— a yell, a rush of footsteps, 
and a wild jump which cleared the paling of 
the enclosure, was the answer to this sum- 
mons from the grave. 

The bravest-hearted v.-ould naturally hesi- 
tate about passing a night alone in the Ceme- 
teries of Laurel Ildl, or the Woodlands, in 
rhiladeli)liia, or in any of those in our large 
cities, no matter how beautiful they might 
be in broad daylight; but in Bethlehem, the 
cliildrcn jilay all day in the grave-yard, and 
go liome at night with reluoiance. Ladies 
sit on the benches iu the shade at their sew- 
ing, at all hours of the day; and at night 
lovers oft wander under the trees, and lino-er 
side by side in this lovely place, forgetting 
all but themselves; even the fact that they 
a e in a place sacred to the departed. All 
this is easily accounted for; the Moravians 
have striven to make their g-ave-yards as 
attractive as possible, and they have succeed- 
ed in that in which all the rest of the world 



have failed ; and it is very pleasant to know 
that it is so. Each grave is narked by a 
small marble slab, about a foot and a half by 
two feet in size, laid flat upon it; cmblci.uatic 
that death levels all, and that all are alike. 
Each stone has cut upon it the name, a^e. 
and birth-place of the departed. If a mar- 
ried woman, her maiden name. Sometimes 
averse of a hymn, or a quotation from the 
Scriptures is aiUlcd. Flowers are planted on 
many of the graves, and vases with wreaths 
and bouquets of llowcrs arc common tokens of 
aflVction to be seen on the little slabs that 
cover the remains of some loved one, gone 
from the earth forever. Time soon takes oft 
from the marble tablets their glaring white- 
ness ; the grass grows around them, and they 
are almost hidden from the sight, and the 
visitors see only blooming flowers, trailing 
vines, lu.xuriant grasses, waving trees, and 
comfortable benches to sit upon. They hear 
the songs of the birds, see the children play- 
ing upon the walks, and lured by the beauty 
and novelty of the scene, forget entirely 
wlicre they are, or to be sad and mournful. 
And thus the Moravian grave-yard becomes 
a place of cheerful resort to the living, and 
the sweetest spot on earth in wliicb to place 
the remains of the loved ones who have gone 
homo. Beneath dear Bethlehem's sky may 
my remains to earth committed be, when 
this life's weary journey '3 o'er. 

Although Heine has so sadly, yet so sweet- 
ly sung in immortal verse : 

'• Wo wiril einst tics 'WaLdrrmnilivi 
Lctzte rulipst.itt3 seiii ? 
Unter PaliiKMi in dpiii Suiien? 
Unter Liuiluii .111 dem Itliein? 

" Word' ich wo in einer ■Wiis.to 

EingcSL-hiUTt von frpnider Il.ind? 
Oder i-nW ic!i .in der KiHtr- 
Eiued Meerei in dom Sand ? 

*■ Imnifrbln ! mich wird umgeben 

GotttaliimnH-l, dort wio liier, 

Und als Todtenliimpen scliwi-lji'*i 

Naclits dio Sterne ubcr mil .'' 



'• Wlierp fliall llii'll tills WPary wandiTcr, 
When the soul ia parted, lie 1 
Under cool and dusky Lintlens, 

With tlie hliie Khine sweeping by? 
Or where stv.lely Palms are ivaviii;^ 
'laaiust thocIoudU'ss Suuthcra skj ? 



84 



II I ? T c r. I (■ A T, 



K i: T (■ II OF 



'• SliiiU n grave hr ri»lii«iii'i1 f r mr. 
l!y a ruM niul nU'-'t Imii'l— 
V li.Ti' no bini «ill siiiv- "li'>v • 11111 

III tiiiit Willi iiTi I iliMi-l't liiiul! 
Or. Ill :■ l.iii ily ilioro itc.Iw inc 

'Nrlllh tlio :iL*ll eolUit'H ll.ivriMl b;ui.1 r 

" Lot nv ri'st — fioir.i licnvoii jiliuw n;o, 

iMlll uf l.ivo, slKill fVi-r ll,'— 
111 t^ti's wiirlJ— iiiul that iiiiiiKiltal. 

Ah I my Spirit will ho frci — 
Ami lilii- Doalli's pair liiiiiiis will quivir, 

.SuK'iuil uiglit-staii over lu'-." 

TliP men ami women are jilaecil in sepa- 
rate divisions of the ground, in re;;ular or- 
der, (he heads (o the north. The firit 
interments of the liodies were evideiilly 
eommeneed at the norlIi-we.,t e.irner of 
the gvave-vard; and one ean read tlie names 
of tlie ancient father.s of the Cliureli, or of 
some Indian convert, buried tliere. At first 
(he tomb-stones were very small, and con- 
tained only tlie nmiilicr of t'.ie interment on 
them 

Tho.so who love the neat simplicity of llie 
Moravian system of burial, will perc'eive 
with regret, that in later years the Memorial 
Stones upon the graves are being made larger 
and larger; and are led to fear that the 
rhnreh will at some future day depart from 
their ancient custom in tliis regard, and adopt 
the monumental piles of masonry used by 
other toets, wiiieh are only evidences of the 
jiride and wealth of the living, and not 
marks of esteem fir Ihe dead. 

At the eastern e.\ti'emity of the Oemetery 
is a large grove of trees, a famous resort for 
flocks *if birds of all kimis, but jiartiiMiIarly 
the Blaek-birds, who make it their espei'ial 
roostingjilacc at nights: although you may 
see (here the beautiful Baltimore Oriole, 
Itobins, Flickers, Thrushes, Cedar-birds and 
(■(her kinds. Towards sunset they begin to 
arrive by Hocks, squads, or in pairs, and set- 
tle in (he trees, eaidi kind of birds take pos- 
session of dilferent trees, from which they 
make raids on each other, causing the air to 
resound with therushing noise of their wings 
as they wheel in rapid flight, or with their 
twittering cries and songs, till the evening 
is f.ir spent; in the morning (ho ground, and 
walks are covered witli their beautiful feath- 
ers, which scon become the spoil of thechild- 



}e:i. Xolhing in liethlcheni is morcillustra 
tive of H'o peaceful character of its people 
than this tcene. The birds seem to know 
that Ihey will not be harmed, and the jilacc 
is always full of them, even in ilay lime, es- 
pecially the Robins, which are so (anio that 
they scarcely seem disturbed by the ]iresenco 
of human beings. 

Immediately adjoining this grove in (ho 
garden of Doctor Abraham Stout, stands an 
old majestic pine tree, which, although shorn 
of some of its lower limbs by vandal hands, 
and a portion of its upper trunk by the 
ficre.^ storms of winter, is still a jirominent 
object in an approaching view of liethlc- 
hem, and a thing of great interest to the 
towns peo]ilc. In the early Spring, flocks 
of Black-birds fill its branches with their 
nests, and the Orioles swing there their 
gourd-like Summer home; where high in air 
they are secure from molestation. A very 
handsome stereoscopic view of the " old Pine 
tree," i.s included in Kleckner's views of 
Bethlehem ; and in the Moravian of March 
22d, ISfifi, the "oldest inhabitant" thus re- 
lalcs its history: 

'•About the year 179.'!, two citizens of Beth- 
lehem, viz.: the late Josejfh Uorsfichl and 
Freih-rliJ: fuehrer, made .a trip to the PocoNO 
Mountains. On (heir return (hey observed 
ninny small Pine trees growing at the way- 
siile. Mr. Ilorsfield said to his friend *' come 
let us pull nji a couple of these, and plant 
tliem when we come home, we may perha])S 
live to see them grow up large enough to 
furnish wooil for our eofllns." Theyhrought 
two along, Mr. Fuehrer jilantcd his a short 
distance east of the late "Old Crown Inn." 
lie survived the tree by three days. It was 
blown down by a storm. The other one now 
standing was jilanted by JI:'. Ilorsfield. The 
grovind upon which it standi was formerly 
known as his nur.sery. 

•' Have pity on (he Elack-birds! they arc 
becoming more domesticated than formerly. 
They may steal a few seeds frotn your gar- 
dens, but at the same time they relieve us 
from the thousands of insects more (o be 
dreadad (han all (he harm done by (he bird.*. 
Prudent fa!'me:'3 of t!ie present day welccmo 



BETHLEHEM, P E N N S Y L V A \ I A. 



8- 



the appearance of the Black-birds, and even 
entice them with food. 

" May we not, with very Blight change, ad- 
dress Bryant's words to the water fowl, to 
these birds in their migrations hitherward 
'■ All day your wings have faon'tl, 

At that far height the cold, tliin atmosphere. 
Yet stoop not weary, to welcome land, 
'Jhoiigh the dark night is near.'' 

' And soon that toil shall end, 

Soon shall you tind a Summer home, and rest; 
And scream among yonr fellows.— Pines shall bend 
Soon o'er your sheltered nest." 

And add the moral: 

lie. who from zone to zone, 

(J uides through tho boundless sky your certain lliglit 
In the long way we must tread alone, 
Will lead our steps aright." 

In the north-western part of the Cemetery, 
in that portion of the ground allotted to the 
men, will be found the graves of many In- 
dian converts. Among them, conspicuous by 
having at its head a rose bush, that in Sum- 
mer bears a white rose, which was planted 
there by Miss Mary Eyre, a daughter of the 
late Manuel Eyre, lie the remains of Tschooj^, 
said to be the father of Uncaa, who, under the 
name of Chin gach gook, is one of the char- 
acters in Cooper's series of novels, called 
" Leather Stocking Tales." The tomb-stone 
bears the following inscription. 
" In Memory of 
Tscnoop,— a Mohican Indian, 
117(o ill hul>f haptitm, Al^ril \7th, 1742, 
received the name uf 
Jons. 
One of the first Ji-uits of the 
Mission at bhekomeko, and a 
remarkable instancs of the power 

of divine grace, whereby he 
became a distinguished icaeher 

among his nation. 
He departed this life in full 
assurance of faith at Bethlehem. 
August Zlth, 1747. 
'' There shall be one fold 
and one Shepherd. — Jalin x. 16.'' 
There are altogether 58 Indian converts 
buried in the Cemetery. A ludicrous anec- 
dote is told of the celebrated Indian Chief 
Tadeuahiinij, a Moravian convert. While the 



Chief was on a visit to Philadelphia, after 
his conversion, he was found one Monday 
morning, by a well known Friend, AntJwni/ 
Benezei, sitting on a curbstone, in Market 
street, with his feet in the gutter — very 
drunk. •• Why, Tudemlcninj, I thought theo 
was a good Moravian?" said the Friend; 
" Ugh ! Chief no Moravian now, Chief joined 
Quaker meeting yesterday," rejilied the fa- 
cetious savage. 

Tadeimkung is described as having been a 
tall, portly Indian Chief, proud of his posi- 
tion as the leader of the Delawares, or Lenni 
Lenape tribe; an earnest talker about his 
State and Nation, and over-fond of " fire- 
water." Tiie Delawares once roamed over 
our hills in pursuit of game, or held their 
Councils in the valleys of the Wissahicon 
and J/«;iotatr/m, as the Schuylkill was origin- 
ally called. Man-a-taw-na, (/. <?.) the place 
where they drank. 

On the eastern side of Wissahicon Creek, 
nearly opposite the "Indian Rock" Hotel, 
may be seen the figure of an Indian chief 
fastened upon the face of a high perpendicu- 
lar rock, which commands a fine view of the 
surrounding country. Thisrock ispcculiar, 
having a pulpit-like recess formed by nature 
in its perpendicular front, with a stone table 
in the centre like a pulpit desk, which trt(- 
dition says, wag used by the Chief ( rot/eiM-- 
/;««<;) jvhen addressing his tribe. From the 
papers of Joseph Eastburn Mitchell, one of 
Philadelphia's antiquarians, to whom the 
public is indebted, in a great measure, for 
this memorial to that celebrated Indian 
Chieftain ; much of the information here 
given concerning him is due. Mitchell spells 
the old Chieftain's name Tedi/uscung, but I 
have preferred to follow Cranz j see his His- 
tory of the Brethren, page 476. The figure 
of the Indian Chief was placed there on 
the 18th of July, 1856, in commemoration of 
Tadeuskunrj'a last visit to the spot, which oc- 
curred just 100 years previous, and is said to 
be a correct representation of a Delaware 
Chief. This "Indian Eock" and "Indian 
Hill," as it is called, on which it is situatid, 
was venerated by Indians as a place sacred 



80 



HISTORICAL P IC V. T r II OF 



to the Great Spirit, and TademhuKij aud his 
band of warriors often frequented the spot ; 
(•i\deared to all the tribe, as the place where 
their forefathers had offered up their sacri- 
fices to the great Manitou ; for the Xciiiji' 
I.ciinpc'e were the former owners of all these 
lands, from the Delaware to the foot of the 
" Endless" mountains. 

Of the old Chief it may be said : 

'* Ouct? a niiglity Chief, ulioso many baudn 
Kangcd freely o'er these shaded 1aud:i ; 
But now there's Boarccly left a trace 
To imnd us of that faded race I" 

■And of the Red Men who once lived here, 
it truly lias been written : 

'* that all have passed away. 

The noblo race — aud bravo ; 
That their light cauocs have vanished. 

From off the crested wave 

That 'mid the forests where tliey roamed, 

There rings no huuter's shout ; 

But, their name is on your waters. 

Ye may not waah it out. 

Kcar the grave of Tschoop, towards the 
west, are interred the remains of the Foun- 
der of Bethlehem, and upon the tablet dedi- 
cated to his memory, is engraved : 

" nAVID NITSCHMAS 
FODNDEK^ 

of Bethlehem, who felled the first tree, and 

built the first house. 

Born September 18th, ICiTG, 

IN Mora VIA, 

Died April Uth, 1758. 

This second 
Memorial was erected 
June 1853." 
On the 22iid of February 1751, Johassa, 
the first wife of tlie very Rev. Bishop John 
Nitschman,Sr., departed this life at Bethle- 
hem. Her husband was then the ruling 
fpirit here, being the successor of Spamjcii- 
Ici'j. She was an extraordinary woman, one 
of the eighteen single women, who at llern- 
Iiut, formed thatcovcnant,outof which grew 

• The above, commonly known as *' Father Kitsch- 
man," jiago G, was the M.aster-buiUIer. Ilia nephew, 
Jlishop Daviil Nitschman. was the Founder, see page 
69, also the *' Transactions uf the Moravian Historical 
Society, ' page 12d, la a note. 



th.Ll . i. ., of" Single Sisters" of the 
Moravian Church. She was buried in the 
(then) exact centre of this old burial ground, 
in the middle ])ath. 

The middle path was llien llie second one 
from Market Street, running east and west. 
Mrs. Nitschman was the 15.'ird jicrson buried 
in those grounds. Tlie mound over tlie grave 
was subsequently levelled, owing to the fact, 
that it was in the path, and became en- 
croached upon, and the tablet defaced. She 
was laid there because of her exemplary 
christian life and character. She was then, 
and still is called" a Aa»(f-inai(/tu o/tlic Lamb ;" 
and by some, " The Congregation's Mother;" 
and her memory is honored in the church. 
She was thus buried, not at her own request, 
but by those in antliority, as an honor, and 
a bright example to others. Her grave is 
directly opposite (north of) Xo. 11-4, and 
south of Xo.109. 

In the north-eastern portion of the Ceme- 
tery is a stone, on which is the following : 
" Louis David 
De ScnwKixiTZ, 
Senior Civilis. 
He was born 
The 1.3th of February, 1780, 
at Bethlehem, Pa. 
Departed this life 
the 8th of January, 1S34." 
In the southern section of the ground, set 
apart for the males, beneath the shade of the 
grand old American tulip trees, which orna- 
ment this quiet home of the departed ones, lie 
the remains of a boyhood friend and fellow- 
studeut-RoBERTDcDLKvRciss, JI. D.,a neph- 
ew of John Ross, the late celebrated Chief of 
the Cherokee nation. The grave of the i>ld 
Chief's eldest son, James McDonald Ross, is 
near by. The inscription on liis tomb is very 
singular. 

Bethlehem was until very lately, the resi- 
dence of many families, descendants of the 
American Indians. 

Among the Indian converts buried in thi.i 
old Cemetery, there is one particularly de- 
serving remembrance, namely: the age! 
Brother Miumael. In his younger days, thii 



r. i: T II I, K II E M, r K N N s Y L V A X r a. 



old Savage, was one of tho most experienced 
and undaunted warriors of tlie JIunsey tribe. 
lie was baptised in 1742, and led until Iiis 
death, a consistent eliristian life. He was 
styled "The crown of the Indian Mission." 
Tho serenity of his eoimtenanee, when laid 
ni his coffin, fornjcd a singular contrast to 
the warlilic characters scarified and tattooed 
upon his face when he was a noted Indian 
hrave. On his riglit cheek and temple was 
tlie rcjiresentation of a rattlesnake ; from 
Ihounder lip a polo was drawn, jiassing over 
the nose and up between the eyes to the top 
of Ills forehead, ornamented at everv quarter 
of an inch with round marks, intended to 
represent the number of scalps he had tak- 
en ; upon his left cheek two lanees, crossing 
each other appeared ; and upon the lower 
jaw was delineated the head of a wihl-boar. 
All these figures were executed with a re- 
markable degree of artistic skill. He died 
July 25th, 1758. 

Thefuneraleeremoniesofthe Moravians arc 
of a peculiar character. The coffin contain- 
ing the remains of the departed, is generally 
placed in the '•Dead nouse," a neat little 
building back of the church, and in front of 
the "Old Chapel." After the funeral servi- 
ces in the church, appropriate to the occa- 
sion, the coffin is placeil on a bier, covered 
with a white linen cloth, and taken part of 
the way up the path towards the cemetery, 
wlicrc it is then set down atthe northeastern 
corner of a square plot of ground, in the cen- 
tre of which is growing now a magnificent 
weeping willow ; each side of this square is 
bounded by gravelled walks, on which the 
mourners take their stand, forming in mili- 
tary parlance, a hollow square, the familv 
of tho departed one, forming the eastern 
line. The Minister stands at the head of the 
bier, and reads aloud the following hymn, 
line by line, and the congregatioirsing it' 
accompanied by the trombones: 
" O/i, let me when exjiirimj, 
Recline upon TInj breast ; 
Thus I ahull he acqniruKj, 
Eternal life and rest." 



Wh^a this is finished, the procession 



moves on to tho place of inlcrment, whc -o 
the corpse bein- placed beside ihe 'gr-ve 
tlio Minister says : 

'■ Lord li.in. mn\y r.y_,n iis." 
And ihe jieoplo resj]ond : 

'■ Chrit have mcr^y vpon its. 

LurJ li:iv^ mcicy i:;)on us, 

Oirist l.iur us.'' 

Then i;,llows the Lord's prayer, with tho 
solemn Litany : 

Lord God, Son, Faviour of ll,o worW, 
Ee r,raci(ms hnl.^ ns. 
I!y thy liumaii bir li, 
I'y lliy pr.iycrs and tiMr«. 

Nlss , aid comfort us, 

Lirrd and God. 

Lord God, Uoly Ghost, 

Abide with us forercr. 

Then follows the prayer, beginning : •• I 

am the resurrection and the life, safth the 

Lord, ,tc." After which the assembly sing, 

to the accompaniment of the tromhone'clieir.' 
'• jVnio to the earth let these remains, 

In hope cmnm iitcd be.. 
Until Die loehj changed attains 
To immorteiliti/.'' 

During the singing of this verse, the body 
is deposited in its last resting ],lace; anil 
after the Minister has read the remainder o 
the Solemn service, the people sin": 

■■ ne Sariotir-s blood and ri,jhtc<msnrs.% 
My bnuti/ is, viij glorious dress ; 
Thus well arrai/d, I need not fear. 
When in Ifis presence I appmr." 
And then the congregation are dismissed 
by the Pastor with the usual benediction ; 
and some linger long around the sacred spot,' 
endeared to so many of them by sad and 

tender recollections, of their loveil ones bu- 
ried there. 

The mournful accompaniment of tlie tr.,in- 

bonesonsuchoecasions.never fails to remind 
the hearer of the beautiful lines of Ihe Ejiis- 
co]ial burial service : 1 Cor., .xv, 51-2. 

'• Behold I show you a mystery : we sliaif 
not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, .q 
a moment, in the twinkling of an eyc.'at the 
last trump ; for the trumpet shall .sound, and 
thedead shall be raised incorruptible, and we 
shall be changed." 



88 



HTSTOIlTCAIi SKrTCII OF 



'■ J il ijUuUy hear the trombone's soumf, 
fil ylatlVj sink hrvraih 'he ffrotivtl. 
And miuf;lc with the thail who /iV, 
S'> still hincath this Bethlehem sly." 

'YUo Moravians do nrtt put on tnounn'n*/ for 
tlio (lead, they consider it ^vrong in prinoi- 
]ilo, deeming Heaven the final abode of all 
tiod's ohoscn creatures; Ihey esteem it a 
blessing "to f/o home." 

This is nn examjdc wliich it would be wi-ll 
for all other denominations to follow; for 
independent of tlie faet that the wearing of 
mourning is but an outward thow, it is an 
useless expense, even to thosu in <'onifortable 
circumstances, wliile many others who can 
ill afford the outlay in this regard, spend 
the means to be in the /(ii/(('o;i, which are 
needed for the common necessaries of life. 
The ])omp, parade, and expense, of funeral 
displays, are niueh to be deplored, their ef- 
fect is vicious, for the poor will imitate lli<-ir 
wealthier neighbors. 

It is the custom in Bethlehem, to an- 
nounce the death of a member of the congre- 
gation l)y the mtisic of tiie trombones, per- 
formed in the belfry of the cluirrli ; no matter 
wlierc they may die. 

*' And eaeh departed hath its own sii-erl (ohev. 

Whispered to U/red ones in that trumpet's tone. 
Distilling dew o'tr hearts with sorrow broken, 
Prom hear*nli/ home.'^ 

Tlirce <lirg*s are always performed, the 
first and last being the same air, (T, 161, A.) 
-.mil are selected from the appropriateness of 
those hymns for such an occpsion. The se- 
cond air is varied, as it designates the sex, 
iiiid condition in life of the deceased, or in 
- Moravian phraseology, the choir to which 
the departed belonged. In the German Li- 
turgy Book, where the order for thot^e an- 
nouncements of death are given, (]>ages 217, 
218 and 210,) the hymn which suits for each 
choir 13 appended; and by the old Moravian 
is at once recogni:iod. They are as follows : 

PP.. v. for Married Men. 

TO. " Married Women. 

132. A. " Widowers. 

140. A. " Widows. 

186. " The Single Brethren. 



.'17. A. for The Single Sisters 
2n, " Youths, 

M. A. '* Maidens. 

30, A. " Little Boys. 

82. r>. '• Little Girls. 

The following interesting account from the 
MuitAviAN of September, 24th, 1S08, will bet- 
ter explain the meaning of the funeral dirges, 
which arc as interesting to the strangers 
as they are dear to tlie Moravians : 

" We will say tliat a brother in t!ie middle 
age of life has departed. T)ie sad event is 
soon after toucliingly announced to the con- 
gregation, by the trombones, who as<"cnding 
to the church tower, play at brief intervals, 
three solemn dirges. How aflecting tlie soft 
funeral tones, attracting tlic attention of the 
most careless; the busy hum of life is for a 
moment arrested, as the hurried question is 
asked : — " Who is dead?" The notes (^f the 
music are not blown at random. They give 
utterance, as it were, to a living voice, Kach 
dirge has reference to a special liymn,whieh 
is expressive of particular declarations in 
reference to the departed,orof the prayerful 
wishes of tlie survivors. Thus the first 
hymn makes the announcement of the de- 
parture, wliich freely translated from the 
original German, is : 

A i)il;;rioi soul n-U-ascd 

from porrow, caro, and pain, — 
Has eVn now left our covi-uant, 

'* Oone home. :" with Christ to reign. 
Ihe hour of consuninintion 

For him has etrucli,— thrice Llr>i! 
AVo wander still, — all weary, — 

Our lovM one is at rest. 

The second dirge denotes the class, and pe- 
riod of life to which the deceased belonged, 
and intimates what arc the sentiments of 
the dying Christian at the hour of depart- 
ure. The tune here is varied to suit the ago 
and sex of the person. In the present in- 
stance, that of the man of middle life : 

•Tosus Christ oa I go henco 

Still is near me! This iiiBpirctli 
Kver living confiJenco 

Yc.1, — even as his lovo rcqnlreth 
Hope with dnst, rests on my grave; 
His full likonci^s I thall have. 



BETHLEHEM, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



SO 



The closins dirge is t„ tlio same solemn 
tune as t!if first, and is t.'ie believer's practi- 
cal response to the sad announcement: 

Loni .It Miy ilissiilution, 

I'o TKit frum I1K-' depart ; 
?ui'pnit ;it iUc. coDcIusion 

Of lif-, my fainting heart ; 
Anil then, llioush I be dying, 

'.Midst sickness, grief and pain, 
I shall, on thee relying, 

l-ternal life obtain. 

Fro:n ,Ti,no 28th, 1742, to February Oth, 
ISS.-!, or d.iriii; lU years, 1672 persons died 
in Botlilehoni and its vicinity. 

Tlie Moravians do not toll the bell at fu- 
nerals, but before the services are held in 
the church, the bell is rung in the usual 
manner to call the congregation together. 

On tho tenor bell of the Parish Church of 
Abbott's Leigli, fomersetshire, England, are 
the ivords : 

'I to til.. Chnrch tlio living cv.ll, 
And to the grave doth summon all.'" 

Tlie " Passi.nq Pcli,," was so named be- 
cause it was tr.llcd when any one passed 
away from litis life. Hence it was sometimes 
called the So„r^ He!!, and was rung that 
tliose who heard it might pray for the soul 
of the dying person. This custom was con- 
tinued till the time of (/harles II. : !t arose in 
tlie ,Ia,l.cst rryw. The ringing of bells was 
supposed to drive away the evil spirits which 
might assail the dying; the tolling of the 
bell, il; was Ihouglit, struck them with terror. 
Xow tlio- P.assing Bell" is no longer rung 
in England, but 0:1 |l,n morning after the 
death of any person, the bell is tolled; and 
at the end of ll,c tolling in Yorkshire, and 
Dorsetshire, knells are tolled for a man, f, 
for a_woma:i, .and ;: f .r a child. In Somcr- 
setshirc, :J knolls are tolled for a man, and 
only 2 for a woman. 

In some of the parishes of England it was 
customary to linj out the number of bells 
corresponding to the age of the person who 
had died. So says the author of " A Brave 
L.iDY," in chapter 12. And such was the 
custom in the parish of St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church at Cheste ■, Pennsylvania, in my 



boyhood. So that the announcement of 
death by the music of the trombones, by Ih.; 
Moravians, is but an observance of an an- 
cient custom of the Christian Church, al- 
though in another form. How old a custom 
it is, it would be difficult to say, but as horns 
were used before bells, it is without doubt 
the more ancient. 

On Easter morning at sunrise, the Mora- 
vian congregations assemble in their respec- 
tive grave-yards, and sing their Liturgy. A 
friend thus wrote on April 19th, 1S67 : " On 
Easter morning you will recollect, that wo 
in Bethlehem generally go into the grave- 
yard, singing our Liturgy for the occasion. 
Mr. Jedediah Weiss, and Mr. Charles F. 
Beckel, will have played as members oC tlio 
trombone choir for j;/ii/ years this Easter 
morning. This is a rare occurrence." Both 
of these fine old Moravian gentlemen are 
still living, in excellent health, and have 
played in the choir three Easter mornings 
since the above was written ; may their 
days be long in the land. 

In this connection, the following may not 
bo without interest ; 

(Special Correspondence of The Press.) 

BETHLEnEM, March 20, 1,SC9. 
Yesterday morning being Easter Sunday, 
the accustomed Litany was performed, with 
other services, according to immemorial lo- 
cal practice, in the Moravian church, con- 
ducted by the Rev. E. de Schweinetz, assisted 
by the Kev. L. R. Huebuer. These services 
hegan at 5 A. M. in the church, with singing 
and the litany for Easter morning. By day" 
break the whole congregation, consisting of 
2,000 persons, proceeded to the burial-groimd, 
preceded by the trombone choir, and a largo 
open square was formed, after which, with 
musical accompaniment, the choir began 
with — 

Tlie graves of all His saints Christ blest. 

And Boften'd overv bed ; 
Where should the ifyinu: members rest. 

But with llio dying Head. 

There is another verse, after which the 
congregation joined in with 

Then let the List tinmpet sound, 

A lid bid our kindn d rise 
Awake, ye nations under ground, 

Ye saiuts, ascend the tkies 



90 



HISTORICAL SKKTCn OF 



TUcii the miuistcr fDllowod, willi excerpts 
fio;u the Holy ScTipturcs, tlie coiigrogation 
giving llie'- Allien," the clunr again chiming 
in, anil ihe eongregation, minister, and choir 
tliiis allerualing to tho close of this siiign- 
larly interesting service." 

Tlio following Ohiluary of a dejiarteil 
r.rj'Jier, copied from the " Jloraviun," is in- 
certcd here, that all may see how among the 
Moravians, a friend who hath left, is mourn- 
i-.i and honored : 

" Is MliMORTAM. 

li.'jiarted tlii-s life at Betlileheiii, Pa., Octo- 
lier Mth, 1SC8, Amos (.■oMr..\iiJS t,'i,Ai,i>Kii, son 
i>f tlie Uev. Il-Miry G. CUuider, and manager of 
(he Moravian Puhlieatiou o:ii<'0. Aged ihir- 
ly-three yeari. 

" Our deceased brother has l.-fl hehiiid him 
a record of stcrlin;^ virluei, and elirisliau 
goodness, whioh will long reniaiii a cherish- 
ed remeiiihraiiee. K.Kemplary in all tlie 
relation.* of domestic and social lil'i', "f a 
briglil and cheerful tem|u-rameiit, an hon- 
orable and industrious man of business, a 
coMSciautious and devoted agent of the 
church, his loss will be wid.ly felt, and felt 
more deeply as time elapses. 

* Sloop in ptKicL' ! 
All thy earthly toil must CL-ase, 
yor iK-atli'i* nigbt liu:li closed iii-fniiul thee, 
And it^ peaceful slmnber-f liouml lliee, 
Till Ills voice all eyes relexse. 
Sleep ill IVjice! 

Sleep in peace I 
•Till the cteniiil morn ajipear ; 
Ity the risen Saviour's merit — 
Thou endless life inherit, 
By the power of Ilis word 
Called lulife. 

Besides the large Moravian cluircli, and 
tie Old Chapel, there are Lullieran,(;erman 
r.oformcd, English and tierman Methodist, 
r:id Catholic places of worship in Kethlclicm. 
An ICpi.-icopal church is now spoken of, as 
iutcnded to be erected at the corner of Market 
fud High Streets. In South Bethlehem there 
is a haiuLiomo Episcopal church, and par- 
sonage adjoining, occupying a iiromincnt 

' San" at his faneral by the .\i!iox Socie- 
ty, of which he was a member." 



site; and also a handsome Catholic church, 
and a fine large Jloravian church. The 
building known as " Christmas Hall," on tho 
grounds of llic Lehigh University, was for- 
merly a Moravian church. 

The Lutheran congregation have a large 
place of interment at High and Church Sts., 
adjoining Nisky-IIill Cemetery. It only 
needs a small expenditure, and somee.xercise 
of taste to make it a very pretty spot. 

Bethlehem, luojier, covers quite a large 
area of ground on both fi<!;s of the Manoc- 
k.tsy Creek. Tliat portion of the town south 
of tho Lehigh Kiver, being called "South 
Bethlehem," and incorporated under that 
name. The mo^t interesting part, however, 
is tliat ])ortion occupied by ihc old town, 
on tl:e hill to the north of Ihe river Lehigh, 
which is the old lielhlchem of history, 
containing tlie obi Moravian buildings, 
churelies, schools, stores, and the old tav- 
erns, made famou.s by the writings of trav- 
ellers. There are many handsome resi- 
dences, and many more very comfortable 
ones in this part of the town, nearly every 
dwelling has aline yard and garden attached, 
containing many varieties of fruit trees. 
Fruit is raised in abundance in this section 
of the State, and in riding through the coun- 
try around, and by the hill farms, the stran- 
ger cannot fail to realize the fact. In the 
mountains, cherry trees abound, both wibl 
and cultivated, tlieir fruit serving to feed 
the small birds that are so numerous in the 
hills, and the country around Bethlehem, 
where they are not much disturbed fortu- 
natelv, for game birds are very scarce in tho 
Lehigh Valley, and consequently the country 
is not infested by sportsmen, who generally, 
when they cannot get better game, slaughter 
every insectivorous bird they come across. 
A few partridges and squirrels, are occasion- 
ally to be seen in the fall, these, with some 
wild pigeons, are the only ^amc to tempt 
the gunner to a "day's shooting in tUecoun- 
trv." The valley and the mountains are, 
however, beautiful, and the lover of natu.'o 
cannot but enjoy the many beautiful walks 
and drives in the vicinity of the town, and 



a 

o 

K 
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2 

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*T3 
PI 
Z 
Z 



Z 

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I 

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BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



PI 



will not soon tire of the many charming 
viev,-s that open around him in every direc- 
tion. 

The favorite ride for visitors to Bethlehem, 
is to " Baud's Hock," the highest point on 
the mountain range to the south of the town, 
and about eight miles distant. It is about 
lOGO feet above tide water, and from the two 
high rocks which crown the summit of the 
ridge, there is a beautiful view of Saucon 
Valley to the south, and with a good glass, it 
is said. Chestnut Hill, near Philadelphia, 
can be seen on a clear day; while to the 
north, are splendid views of the Blue- ridge, 
the Lehigh Water Gap, and the mountains 
beyond and around Mauch Chunk ; the Little 
Gap, Allentown.and the Lehigh River wind- 
ing in the distance like a silver ribbon. 

From here, a ride to Allentown, and a visit 
to the curious spring which furnishes the 
town with water, is the usual programme. 
At the spring the water rushes out of the 
side of a hill in an immense volume, falling 
first into quite a small basin, clean, cool, 
sparkling and delicious, thence flowing into 
a small pond stocked with a large number of 
trout. From this pond the supply necessary 
for the town, which has a population of 17,- 
000 inhabitants, is drawn, and yet enough 
flows oCf from it to fill quite a large dam, 
which furnishes sufficient water power for 
the use of several large mills. In its way 
it is a greater curiosity than the spring at 
Bethlehem; a handsome hotel was erected 
in 1868, near this spring, for summer board- 
ers. 

Then there is the drive -to Ilellertown, 
about four miles from Bethlehem, where 
there is a hotel, with an excellent cook ; par- 
tics go there to enjoy a trout supper, waffles 
and spring chicken. Make your first drive 
here, for trout arc xcry scarce, and very ex- 
jicnsive. 

To the northeast of Ecthlehem, and about 
tcu miles distant, is the quiet Moravian vil- 
lage of N.iz.iRF.Tii. In this latter town is 
located the Pcduijorjium, or Boarding School 
for Boys, instituted by the Moravians in the 
year 1759. ia which, now, as in many other 



schools of a like character in the United 
States, military tactics are taught; and the 
pupils are dressed in a grey uniform, some- 
what similar to those worn by the cadets in 
the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. 

There are some quaint old buildings in 
Nazareth, and a day or two can be profitably 
be passed there by the stranger in visiting 
the many places of interest in the town, and 
its vicinity. The drive to it from Bethlehem 
is through a very beautiful country, and fine 
views reward the beholder on all sides. The 
view of the surrounding country from the 
old Moravian grave yard, is especially wor- 
thy of note. 

The Pedaffoffhtm, or Boarding School, bet- 
ter known as Nazareth Hall, stands on u 
commanding site in the western extremity 
of the village, its front having a southern ex- 
Jjosure, with a fine large lawn in front, in- 
tersected with walks, embracing to the south 
a view of a landscape of exceeding beauty. 
In front of the Hall stands a handsome 
monument, erected in ISfiS, to the memory 
of the graduates of the institution who laid 
down theirlives in theservices of their coun- 
try during the late rebellion of lSGl-65. A 
fine old piece of woods to the west of tlic 
Hall, partly on the rising hill, has been re- 
served as a play-ground for the boys, it is 
neatly laid out with walks, having a spring 
and a small stream of water running through 
it, with some small ponds of water, seats and 
arbors abound under the old hickory, oak 
and chestnut trees which ornament the 
grounds ; the Moravians beautify and adorn 
some such spot as this in all their towns and 
villages, quiet, shady retreats, attractive 
alike to the young and the old. 

" Nazareth Hall," was erected as a Manor 
House for Count Zinzendorf, in hojies of his 
taking up his permanent residence there. 
It was intended to accommodate the Count 
and his coadjutors, and was designated as tlie 
'■Pilgrim house." The corner stone was 
laid on the Srd of May, 1753, and the struc- 
ture completed in 1750. The Hall is a mas- 
sive structure of blue limestone, now rough- 
cast with mortar and gravel, with anunsight- 



92 



U I P T i; I A L 8 K li T C II F 



ly brick iuKlitioTi, lately luUloJ to its eastern 
wing, out of all arrliitcetiirnl pruportioii ami 
tastt'. The aiu'icnt portion, with its double 
liilelied roof anil two rows of dormer win- 
dows, with the balcony and belfry which 
Burinount it, give it a venerable appearance 
well becoming its uuliquily. On the cast 
tide of the open s<|uare in front of the Hall, 
stands the old " Sisters' House." 

On the Cth .]f June, 17j9, Xazareth Hall 
was opened as u boarding strhool for the sons 
(■f the Moravian Brethren, with 112 scholars. 
In 1779 the school was closed, owing to the 
inability on the part of the Church to defray 
the expenseof educating, as they did, almost 
gratuitously, so many children. The Breth- 
ren, having about this time involved tliom- 
sirlves in so many expensive missionary en- 
terprises, this step was indisiiensably neces- 
sary. Bvit on the ilrd of Uctobei', in the year 
1785, the institution was again o])ened as a 
boarding school for boys of all Protestant 
denominations, and has ever since enjoyed 
an increasing patronage, with successful re- 
sults. Boys are admitted to the school from 
nine to fifteen years of age. The necessary 
cxpcnee of the scholastic year is $2S0. This 
does not include music, drawing, painting 
or the foreign languages, for each of which 
a small extra charge is made of about •'i!20 
])er year. 

The situation of the town, and the hoa'.thy 
air of the adjacent country, I'cnder Nazareth 
a very eligible location for a boarding school ; 
but a more quiet country town cannot weU 
be imagined. '• Sleepy Hollow," is a lively 
j)!ace in comparison; by staying tlieru a few 
days one gets an idea of life in Bethlehem 
a hundred years agi>. 

In the American Gazetteer, ])nblished in 
17'J7, there is a very interesting sUeteh of 
Nazareth, to which the reader is referred. 
And a full account of the Boarding School 
will be found in Wjlliam C. Keiehcrs " His- 
torical Sketch of Nazareth Hall, from 17jj 
to 1809," published in the latter year, by .7. 
B. Lippincott .t Co., Philadelphia. 

Old NAZAni-.Tii is situated a short distance 
"■uEt of the present town of that name. It is 



still the property of the Society, but no long- 
er the seat of a Moravian Congregation. 

Christian Spring, about two miles to the 
south-westof Nazareth, was formerly a small 
Moravian settlement, ami was named in 
honor of Christian Ilenatus Zinzendorf, a son 
of the Count. It was built in a quadrangu- 
lar form. On the north were the chapel and 
dnelling houses; on the east the different 
■workshops, and a grist and saw mill, j)ro- 
jjclled by the waters of the ManocUasy. All 
the buildings enclosed are square and of 
considerable size. During the Indian wars 
of I7aa-6C and 57, it was stockaded, and jnit 
into a condition of defence. The Govern- 
ment attached great importance to the placcy 
it being one of the principal outposts of the 
white settlements. The buildings are all 
still standing, except the mills. It is no 
hingor a Moravian settlement, although the 
property is still owned by the Society. 

GsAPENSTiiAL, I. f., " The Valley of Gracff" 
is situated about half a mile to the north of 
Christian Spring. It was formerly a Moravi- 
an settlement, but is now the property of Nor- 
thampton County, and the County Poor 
House has been erected there. 

I'ricdctistftalf or " Vallci/ of PcacCf' was 
another of these little settlements, with 
small Moravian Congregations. It is about 
two miles east of Nazareth ; but the j>lace is 
no longer owned by the Society. See Bond- 
thaler's Life of Ileekwelder, published in 
Philadelphia in 1S47, in thenotes to page ?A. 

The drives to Freemansburg. Bath, Cata- 
sauqua, Fasten, ami Nazareth, are very 
beautiful ; the lovelj' socnery will alone 
repay the visitor to either of these placcF, 
passing as the roads do, thr>ugli the '• Hry- 
l.inds," presenting varied views of river, 
mountains, valley.«, ami richly cultivated 
farm lands. 

On the fouth side of the Lehigh, near 
Bethlehem, situated on a plateau of the Le- 
high Hills, is the celebrateil " Water Cure 
JSitablislimciil," of Dr. Oi>pclt; during Iho 
Summer months the house is full of iialicnls, 
and boarders from a distance. The !^iluatiou 
is very retired; the grounds arc leautiful, 



BETHLEHEM, PEJINSYLVANIA. 



93 



and the view of the surrounding country 
from the hills in the rear of the place, which 
are covered with fine forest trees, is exceed- 
ingly fine; near the Establishment is a 
never failing spring of water, gushing up 
out of a crevice in the rocks, around which 
are fixed seats ; close by are swings and a 
bowling alley, for the amusement of the 
hoarders. This spot would be a splendid 
position for a hotel. Adjoining this Estab- 
lishment to the south, is the handsome resi- 
dence of the late Mr. Fiot, once a celebrated 
music publisher in Philadelphia, now de- 
ceased. The house has been enlarged, and 
is now occupied as a Boarding School for 
young ladies, under the auspices of the 
Episcopal Church, with Miss Edith Chase as 
Principal — and is called " EisHopTnonrE 
School." 

There are many objects of interest in 
Bethlehem worthy of a visit; and as in the 
days of old, the stranger was shown over the 
town and through the Brethren's buildings 
by " Father" Thomas ; so in these later days, 
a worthy gentleman has been found to sup- 
ply the place of that kind old patriarch, now 
departed. The writer, and so very many 
visitors to Bethlehem, have received so many 
marks of attention and kindness, from this 
fine old Moravian Brother, that these sketch- 
es would not be complete, without mention 
of his name in connection with this ancient 
old Burg. Dr. Madisice C. JoNES,is now the 
cicerone of the visitors to Bethlehem, a self- 
constituted Fremdendiener. He is a retired 
physician, of ample means, a Welsh Mora- 
vian, who loves Bethlehem, his adopted 
country, and his ancient and honorable 
church, taking great interest in all the offi- 
ces of the Society; and is an agreeable, esti- 
mable, and courteous gentleman, of fine 
conversational powers, justly proud of the 
venerable old town in which he lives, and 
its historical mementoes. The same affec- 
tionate regard is shown to him, in our 
modern times, by all who know him, as was 
formerly shown to Mr. Thomas, in the davs 
of his usefulness. 

From the early days of the settlement of 



Bethlehem, it has been customary for the 
church authorities to appoint some one to 
wait on all strangers visiting the town, who 
desire to see and inspect the schools, and the 
various buildings of the Society. John Et- 
wein, afterwards a celebrated Bishop of the 
Church, was the first " Fremdendiener," or 
guide to the visitors, more properly perhajis 
translated as " The Strangers' Friend;" he 
served from 1776 to 1779, and was succeeded 
by Nicholas Garrison ; how long the latter 
acted in this capacity I cannot say, but 
Chastellux mcutinns him in his work, which 
was printed in ]7,s2. After him, John Bonn 
was the guide till 1788. He was better 
known as "Puppy Bonn," an atrectionate, 
appellation bestowed upon him by the young 
girls at the Seminary. His successor was 
Francis, more familiarly called " D,iddy Thn- 
mns," at first by the girls, to whom he carried 
the letters from the post office, and afterwards 
by everyone. He was a very amiable and 
courteous old man, a great favorite with 
all.who knew him, and full of old fashion- 
ed wit. He departed this life in 1822, being 
then in the ninetieth year of his age, and his 
remains repose in the old grave-yard on the 
Hill. He held his position as guide, and 
remained in the employ of the Seminary till 
his death ; since then no one has been na7ned 
to perform such duties. But courteous gentle- 
men are always to be found in the congrega- 
tion to act as the " Strangers' friend." 

The Moravians were once a very plain, 
unassuming people, forbidding vain show 
in dress, and economical in all their habits ; 
their apparel was simple, clean and neaL 
The straight, unlappclled, dark brown coat, 
the broad brimmed, low crowned hat, the 
knee-buckled small clothes, the broad round- 
toed shoe, were consistent characteristics of 
-a Moravian Brother ; whilst the plain tlraU 
or black silk bonnet, the three cornered 
white kerchief, the plain silk gown, tho 
comfortable hood furnished cloak, the stuff 
shoe, for comfort antl convenience, were the 
Sisters* attire; and their manners were 
bland, courteous and winning. This costume 
was continued inviolate until about 1825; 



94 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



Binoo then tho Moravians Imvc not boon ilis- 
tingiiishablc by dross from any otbor doiioni- 
ination of Christian people. 

Tho air of Bethlehem seems not only to be 
v^'ry health-givinj; to invalids, bvit also con- 
ducive to longevity, of which there are many 
instances among tlie inhabitants. Eighty- 
fi)nr is not an unusual age for the people to 
attain, as may be so. u from an insjiection 
of tho tomb-stones in Ihs old grave-yard. 
And there are now many residents of the 
place wliose ages exceed that number of 
years. 

For the first twenty years afier the settle- 
ment of tho town, all jiroperty was held in 
rommon by the " Economy." I!nt in 17ri2, 
tho Society began to dispose of portions of 
their real estate, to such of the Brethren as 
were desirous, and able, to purchase home- 
steads for their families. 

Tl>o number of people belonging to the 
Economy in l"iO, was Oo.'i. They did not all 
live in Bethlehem, but some in i'niicoii, some 
at Lishtj, and some in the other Moravian 
towns in the vicinity. The Imiian converts, 
numbering S2, are not included in the enu- 
meration, nor the young Indian women who 
lived with the Sisters. There was quite a 
falling off in the number of the inhabitants, 
after the abolition of the Communist system 
iu 17G2. In IT.'iO there were 219 "Single 
Brethren" living at Bethlehem, Christian 
S])ring, Nazareth, Gnadensthal and Fried- 
cnslhal ; but in the year 17S2, the number 
was reduced to .".9. 

But one person of each trade or vocation 
was permitted to settle in any Moravian 
town in the United States ; this system was 
Itept up till 182S, the object being to prevent 
rivalry in business. The secular affairs of 
tho town were govertied by a Boanl called 
the " CoLLEGirM," who regulated all matters 
of trade ; and all members of the Society in- 
tending to commence any business, had first 
to get their permission to do so. The stores, 
t.iverns, and several other branches of trade, 
continued to be owned and carried on by tho 
Society, until within about 25 years ago. 
The last business conducted by the Brethren 



at Bethlehem, was the accommodation of 
travellers at the " Sun Hotel," which they 
sold in IS18, to Charles Augustus LucUen- 
back. 

" On the other nUic of Junliin ," at the foot f'f 
South-Mountain, nine miles from Bethle- 
hem, and five miles south-west from Allen- 
town, is situated the Moravian settlement of 
EsiMArs; it is built on a single street; the 
town contains one store, about lliirty-fivc 
dwellings, and a Congregation House, which 
is united to a Chapel. There is also a tavern 
in theplace. The land on which the village 
is erected, was ber]ueathed to the Society by 
two members of tlie church, for the support 
of a minister and a school. Ogdcn, in his 
old woric, already referred to, at page ii, 
says: "In this place was one of those accom- 
modations for the lodging of a married cou- 
ple, which cause so much conversation. * '^ 
According to constant practice, single beds 
are tisod by unmarried persons, from their 
youth upwards. When a couj)le are united 
in holy wedlock, and become heads of a fam- 
ily, these two beds and their bedsteads, arc 
placed so contiguous to each other, that they 
are covered with one general blanket or 
counterpane. This.outward covering desig- 
nates the lodging of some married persons ; 
but this is not an universal custom, as many 
use the common large beds. It is conveni- 
ent, in case of sickness of either party, tho 
nursing of children, and the poverty of 
young housekeepers, who may not wish to 
be at the expense of exchanging or altering 
their single beds, bedding or beadsteads. 
The bedstead is not different from that in 
common use, except that it has head, foot, 
and side boards." 

lam unable to perceive anything singular 
or curious in the above related custom, which 
it is said, excited a great deal of impertinent 
curiosity, and in consequence the usage was 
discontinued ; because I know married peo- 
ple who now sleep upon niiiylc IcJt, arranged 
just as the old Moravians fixed theirs, and 
for some of the same reasons, although they 
are persons of wealth ; besides this, it is well 
known, or ought to be, that in the better 



B E T ir r, E It E M, r E N N S Y I, V A N I A. 



95 



circles of society in England, ami Continen- 
tal Europe, it is customary for man and wife, 
although living together amicably under 
the same roof, to occupy separate sleeping 
apartments. 

<^n tlie 2StIi of April. 1870, I received tlic 
following communication from my friend 
llcriine S. Enr!n, of Bethlehem, in reference 
to the "Old Pine Tree," mentioned in this 
chapter, which had become so decayed in 
its upper branches, as to be unsafe; so the 
old land mark had to be destroyed:— 

"I have a sad communication to make, 
inasmuch as the old pine tree departed this 
life, this A. M. at S. Oo. The chief mourn- 
ers, the Blackbirds, are congregated in the 
grave-yard surrounding the garden. 

'• The age of the tree is 70 years, or therea- 
bouts. It took four men 28 minutes to fell 
it. Knowing your interest in matters per- 
taining to Bethlehem antiquities, I thought 
it might interest you to hear of this sudden 
-pining" away. This old tree was only SO 
feet in height, although it looked much 
higher, it had, however, lost about 20 feet of 
its top in a storm some years ago. The low- 
est limb was 44 feet from the ground." 

In Chastellu.x's Travels in North America, 
vol. n, page .111. The Translator in a note 
snys : ••It is remarked that on the lands 
within reach of Moravian settlements, the 
cultivation is superior, and every branch of 
husbandry is better carried on, first from the 
emulation e.xcited by these industrious peo- 
ple, and secondly from the supply the coun- 
trymen procures from lliem of every neces- 
sary implement of liusbandry, Ac. , fabricated 
in these settlements." These remarks are 
a.i true to-day, 1870, as they were in 17S0. 
" Besides those the JlarquLs speaks of, I visit- 
eil some others, not far from Bethlehem at 
oneof which ca.\\eA Nazareth, isafamous gun- 
smith, from whom my friend bought a pair 
of pistols, many of which I saw there of the 
most jjerfect workmanship. Nothing can be 
more enchanting than these establishments ; 
out of the sequestered wilderness they have 
formed well built towns, vast edifices all of 
stone, large orchards, beautiful and re<'ular 



shaded walks in the European fashion, and 
seem to combine with the most comjtlele sep- 
aration from the world, all the comforts, and 
even many of the lu.xuries of polished life. 
At one of these cleared out settlements in the 
midst of a forest, betu-een Bethlehem and 
Nazareth, possessing all the advantages of 
mills and manufactures, I was astonished 
at the delicious soundsof an Italianeoncert ; 
but my surprise was still greater, on enter- 
ing a room, where the performers lurne.l 
out to be common workmen of dilferent 
trades, playing for their amusement. At 
each of these jdaces, the brethren have a 
common room, where violins and other in- 
struments are suspended, and always at the 
service of such as choose to relax themselves, 
by playing singly.or taking apart in a con- 
cert." 



This obi work brings us back by easy 
stages, from •' Moravian Mill" to Bethlehem, 
from which we have wandered. The trans- 
lator, an Englishman, who announces that 
he resided in America during tlie period of 
Chastellux's travels, says in a note to page 
."21, vol. II :_■■ The first time I visited Beth- 
lehem, was from Philadelphia; and after 
travelling two days through a country alter; 
nately diversified with savage scenes and 
cultivated spots, on issuing out of the woods 
at the close of the evening, in the month of 
May, found myself on a beautiful extensive 
plain, with the vast eastern branch of the 
Delaware on the right, widely interspersed 
with wooded islands, and at the distance of 
a mile in front of the town of Betlilehem, 
rearing its large stone edifices out of a forest, 
situated on a majestic, but gradually rising 
eminence; the background formed by the 
setting sun. So novel and unexpected a 
transition, filled the mind with a thousand 
singular and sublime ideas, and ma<le an 
impression on mc, never to be effaced. The 
romantic and picturesque effect of this glo- 
rious display of natural beauties, gave way 
to the still more noble and interesting sen- 
sations, arising from the reflection in the 
progress of the arts and sciences, and the 
sublime anticipation of the "populous cities." 



w 



n I s T o u I <-• A I, s ic K T (■ ]i r 



ami "busy liiiiii nf iiiuii," which are one day 
111 occu|>y, niid civilizi! the va?l wilili'rness 
i f llic new wollil." 

Sjioaking of the " Sun," Chaslellux rc- 
iiiaiks : " This tavern was built by llic So- 
ciety (if Moravian Krethren, to whom it 
fcrvcil forniorly as a magazine, and is very 
liandsnmc and f jiacious ;" and in a note the 
translator adds: ''This Inn, from its exter- 
nal apjiearance, and its interior aceommoda- 
tions, is not inferior to the best of the large 
inns in Kugland, which, indeed, it very 
iMudi resembles in every respect. The first 
time I was in Bethlehem, we remained there 
two or three days; and were constantly 
Eupplied with venison, inoor-gnme, the most 
delicious red and yellow-bellied trout, the 
highest flavored wild strawberries, (he most 
luxuriant asparagus, and the best vegetables, 



in short, I ever saw; and notwithstanding 
the didieulty of procuring good wine and 
spirits at that period, throughout the conti- 
nent, we were, here regaled with wine and 
brandy of the best quality, and exquisite 
old Tort and Madeira. It was at this house 
that the Marquis de la rayette retired, to be 
cured of the first wound he received in fight- 
ing for America; an accident, which I am 
well assured, gave this young nobleman 
more jileasure than most of our Kuropean 
petite itiititrcH would receive from the most 
Haltering proofs of the favor of a mistress." 
The whnle account of IJethlehcm in the 
body of the work, and in the notes, is very 
interesting; but both the writer, and trans- 
lator, show a lamentable ignorance of the 
life, manners, customs, and religious belie 
of the Moravian liretbreu. 




-4 



r i; T n L E II E M, p e n n s y l v a n i a. 



or 




THE MORAVIAN COLLEGE, 

BETHLKBESr, PA. 



CHAPTER XI. 
XuE McRAviAx Paeocdial Sciiool. — The 

MORATIAH CoLLEGS, rOUNDEI), A. I)., 1807 

cnAitTEiiED ArniL 3, 1S63. — The Bethle- 
ii::m Male BoAnDixc School. — Sisky Hill 
Male SEiiix.AnY.— The Old Earn op tee 

COXGRECATIC:: F.iRM. — SKETCH OFTHE BeTH- 

lehem Seminary vvii Ydlng Ladies. — The 
Military liEcor.ii of BiiTjiLicnEM dcrixg 
THE Rebellion. 

(J^ssuixr; from the Olil Moravian Graveyard 
ee\a by llie Ecuthwesteru gale, the stranger 
Etands in the rear nf the Moravian rarochial 
School House, a very large, handsome brick 
building, four stories in hei;^ht, erected in 
18j7, and cajiable of holding in its recitation 
rooms over 300 scholars. The upper story 
is used for concerts, lei^tures, itc. In it all 
the children of the members of the Bethle- 
hem congregation of the United Brethren, 
under 14 y^ars of age are educated, all until 
they reach that age, receive the same ad- 
vantages, and at .1 very trifling cost. The 
Moravians take an especial pride in this In- 
Btitution, and very justly so, for the educa- 



tion imparted in this school is of a very su- 
jierior character, and well qualified to fit its 
jiupils for the active duties of American life ; 
not professional. In proof of the abov; 
statement the following short paragraph is 
inserted irom the Muravinn of November 1. 
1S09. '• On Saturday evening ue.xt the pupils 
of the Moravian Parochial School, assisted 
by the church choir, will give an entertain- 
ment in the hall of the school building. Tl o 
programme consists of recitations in concert 
by the different classes of the children, in 
English, French, German and Lctin, and the 
singing of hymns. Among the contributions 
of the choir, (which need no praise from us,) 
to the entertainment, is the magnificent 
solo, ' I know that my Eedecmer Livela,' 
from Handel's Messiah. The entertainment 
commences at seven o'clock." 

The Moravian College in Bethlehem, a view 
of which is given at the eommencjmcnt of 
this chapter, coj^ied fro:n an old circular of 
Mr. Vankirk's, is situated on Church Street, 
near Nisky Hill Cemetery, it is a fine largo 
commodious brick building, painted lead 



98 



HISTORIC A h S K i: T C II !•• 



color, commanding one of the handsomest 
Eites in the town, overlooking tho Lehigli 
Kivcr and Mountain, and tho rapidly iu- 
cTi-asing town of South liethlahcm. It is 
Miii'ounded by a well laid out garden, and a 
fiMC largs pleasure ground for the recreation 
■■niiestudsnts. Thisinstitvition, in tho form 
of a Thoological Seminary, was founded in 
I'le year ISO", and located at Nazareth, Pa., 
n;i 1 was designed not only to give the young 
men of the Moravian Churdi, desiring to en- 
ter the ministry, a complete eourse of Theo- 
logical studies, but also to prepare them to 
enter upon it by a thorough classical educa- 
tion ; hence the institution embraces two do- , 
partmcnts, a J^i-rpni-nt'n-^ Sihonl, and a Thco- 
iifjicc.l Ser.iinarifj In 1S50, the Seminary was 
' moved to Bethlehem, and the house now oc- 
cupied by Adulph Conradi, in Inroad Street 
near Kew Street, taken for tlio use of tho 
Institution. In lSa5, the school was taken 
back to Xazareth. And in ISOS, the "Mo- 
ravian Sustentation Diacony," i. c, the E.k- 
ceutivo Board of the Moravian Church, pur- 
chased of Mr. Benjamin Vankirk, the pre- 
sent building and surrounding grounds, 
and the Theological Seminary was again re- 
moved to Bethlehem; its present location. 

In 1851, Mr. Vankirk purchased the build- 
ing in Main Street, now occupied by Charles 
■\V. Eauch, of Ernst F. Block, and continued 
tliere the "Bethlehem Male Boarding School," 
the project proving a successful one ; in 1S55, 
he purchased the grounds at Nisky Hill, and 
erected there the same year the i)rcscnt 
building, now known as the "Moravian Col- 
lege," moved liis school thither, and changed 
its name to that of tho "Nisky Hill Male 
Seminary;" not long after this, Mr. Vankirk 
was seized with a severe and long continued 
illness, (from which he is now happily re- 
covered, and occupies an important position 
as assistant in the Seminary for Young Ladies 
at Bethlehem,) which compelled him to dis- 
pos3 of his building, as before stated, and 
broak up his school. 

In the year 18C3, the Theological Seminary 
and its Treparatory Department, after un- 
dergoing the^a various changes, wcro re 



organized as a college, and incorporated a.H 
such, by an Act cf Assembly of thj Comreion- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, of the .'.rd of April, 
1SC3. Sec Pamphlet Laws of ISCP., p. 277; 
and also Beitel's Imlcx of Corporations ; with 
the power of conferring tho usual and selm- 
lastic degrees, and in 1864, thrown open to 
students of all other Protestant dencmina- 
tions. The act referred to is in these words. 
,Ih Act tn lucoyporalc the Moirviaii CoUfje (tud 
ThcoUnjioil Sriniuart/t itt Jicthhluin, Pti. 

\\ lir.l;i;.\.«. The ChiHch tf till- rnil.,1 r.ri'llircn, 
(formerly calUtl MoravLiiis.) bail, for ft long time, ti 
Collegiate anil Theologiciil institato coiinccti'tl with ill" 
1) .nrdiug tclioil at Nazarclli, but in tbo jrar 1C58, n- 
moveil th<^ c:inu' to llio E(>rDU(;U tf Uttblchcn;, s:;.l 
estabI)^lK■u in said boroti^li n ccUoge f.»r tlic education 
of male piTsons in tho vaiioua brauclu-s of Bclenci'. 
literature, and the ancient and nuMlcrn langaagct*, i-i 
likewise a ('.epartnunt of Ibo same lor training ir.d 
preparing of jouug men for the g.-jspcl ministry. And 
whereas, It is deeraed by tli.' authorities of the 6n:d 
church, to bo desirable and necessary for the conve- 
nient managi'nient of the concerns of faid college, to 
have said college incorporated; th.ririre. 

Sec, I. — Bo it enacterl by the Senate .and Ilouse (T 
Representatives of the Coaiiaonwealth of iViinsylvatia, 
in General As-ienibly met, and it is hereby enacted by 
authority of tho same. That the Right r.evcrend John 
Cliri.-tian Jacobson, l:i>liop. r.l;J the Revrrend Frar.r; i 
rii^reutine Ilagen, and the Rcvjrcnd Sylvester Vi'oi'.". 
111! of tho Borough of Rethlehcm, duly elected by lln' 
Synod of the Northern District of the American Pro- 
vince of the United Brethren, a Bonid of Direction , f 
the Ecclesiastical affairs of said Church, in said District, 
and likewise constituted by the virtue of their (fore, 
the Board of Trusteeo of said College, and such olln r 
persons as may bo hereafter nppcinted their asscciati-a 
or successors, ftccording to the rules and regulations of 
the said branch of the Church of the United Brethren, 
bo and th<-y are hereby constituteil a body pjlit;c .M-d 
corporate, in fact and in law, by the name and style of 
the '■ Moravian College and Thetdogieal Seminary." and 
by that name shall be capable of perpetual Pucces»>ion, 
may suo and bo sued, may have and t>,, a common 
seal, and alter and change the same nt pleasure, and 
shall also be capable to accept, and take, by 4levi«^, 
grant, bargain, sale or otherwise, any estate, or pro- 
perty, real or personal, and the same to hold itnd enjoy, 
or to sell and convey, lease, or uiortyage, as fully cn-l 
absolutely, in all respects, osany natnral jnTson roiglii 
do. iVw(V«/, however. That the clear annn.nl inconi', 
of the estates and l)roperlle8 of said Cerporalion, escln- 
eivo of any lauds and touements that may be occupied 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



09 



by suid College for its accommodatious, or that of its 
otfi^ers or professors, and exclusive of income from 
ftudeuts, sli^ll not exceed the sum of Ttn Viousand 
dollars. 

Sec. II. — Thit tlio Trustees already appointed, or 
who shall hereafter bo appointed in accordance with 
tlie fundamental statutes which govern tho Church of 
the United Brethren in the said Northern Troviuce of 
the United States of America, shall have the care and 
management of said College, and of its estates and 
properties, .".nrl shall have power to m.akc all needful 
laws and regulations for the api)ointnient of competent 
professors and teachers, for the fixing and payment of 
all salaries, for the fixing of the prices of board and 
tuition of ttiiUjnts, fur studies and exercises of the stu- 
dent', and for the general well being of Slid College. 
Provided^ That the said statutes, by-laws ,Tijd regula- 
tions, shall not be inconsistent with the Constitution 
and laws of this Commonwealth, or ot the United 
States, or the enactments of the Synod of said Church 
of the United Urethrrn. 

Szc. III. — That no .misnomer, or misdirection of the 
said Corporation, in any will, deed, grant, or other in- 
strument of writing, shall vitiate or defeat tho same, 
but that the same shall take clTect in the tame manner 
■,\i if said Corporation wero rightly named therein. 
I'rovidedf That it is sufficiently described to ascertain 
tho intention of the parties. 

S::c. lY. — That the Trustees, in connection with the 
f leulty of the College, shall have power to grant and 
confc" sticli degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, or 
such branches tlieroof, to such students of the College, 
or others, as from their proficiency in learning, they 
may seem justly entitled to such honors, .and such as 
are usually giauted by institutions of a similar kind, 
and to grant diplonnisand c.Ttificates under their com- 
mon seal, as may authenticate and perpetuate tho 
memory of such graduation. 

Approved April 3, A. D., 1SC3. 

From the catalogue of the College, issued 
in 1S4S, the follo%viug additional facts are 
derived. ''To tlie two already existing de- 
partments was added a third — the grammar 
school. The design of this branch is to pre- 
jiare students to enter upon the course of 
study pursued in the College. In it particu- 
lar attention is paid to Latin, Greek and 
Mathematics. The grammar school and 
College are in the same building, and under 
the same faculty, thus enabling a student to 
pass through the entire course with the same 
instructors, and rendering attention to tho 
known wants of the individual possible to 



the professors. No student is admitted into 
the Institution under 13 years of age." 

Besides the usual course of studies in simi- 
lar colleges of like character; any student 
can, without e-xtra charge, take lessons in 
Drawing, German, French, Natural Philoso- 
I)hy and Chemistry j these are, however, 
elective studies. For instruction in vocal or 
instrumental music, an extracliarge is mad:^, 
for the number of lessons taken. The scho- 
lastic year is divided into three terms, of 
from twelve to fourteen weeks each. There 
is a short vacation at Christmas, and at Eas- 
ter, and one of seven weeks in .July and 
August. A limited number of students can 
reside in the College. No student is per- 
mitted to board at a hotel, and in all eases 
the boarding places are subject to the ap- 
proval of the faculty. The expenses of a 
student residing in the College, including 
tuition, room, boarding and washing, is about 
$100 per term. Those boarding outside, pay 
only $25 per term to the College for tuition, 
use of room, light and fuel. Payment of the 
regular expenses are required in advance. 
The Board of Trustees is the Provincial 
Elders' Conference, and the members of the 
Faculty are the Rev. Edwin de Schweinitz, 
Pastor of the Moravian Cluirches at Bethle- 
hem, President; Professors, the Eev. William 
II. Bigler, Eev. Charles B. Schullz ami Eev. 
Edwin G. Klose. 

The old stone building on Main Street, 
mentioned as having been first used by Mr. 
Ernst F. Bleck, for his "Bethlehem Male 
Boarding School." was originally the barn 
of the Society's farm. It was struck by 
lightning during a thunder storm in the 
summer of 17G2, and set on fire, but it was 
extinguished 'without materially injuring 
the building; which was afterwards altered 
into dwelling houses, and occupied by throe 
families. In tearing down the northern part 
of this old structure, in ISfiO, lately occupied 
by Michael Stuber, the manufacturer of 
the old fashioned Betldchem chairs, now so 
much in vogue ; the rafters of the old barn 
were found to be blackened and charred, and 
the evidences of the fire as fresh as on the 



100 



i: I S T K I C A I, 



Ten OF 



(lay of the occurrence, one hundrtil r.ml 
ceTeu years before. 3Ir. Blc?k founded tlie 
Ecth'.eheni iMale Boarding Seliool in ISu'J, 
:.:.'! carried it on willi groat success until 
ISJl, when ho sold out to .Mr. Vanliirk. 

The old farm house was originally attaoh- 
<A to the barn to the north, aud it ctill stand.-j 
in excellent order, quite as good as when it 
Mas first erect'.d. It is now used by Am- 
brose Rauch, as a confectionery store. And 
but few of the gay and happy throngs of 
beautiful women and gallant men, wlio re- 
tort thither to flirt over iee-croani and cakes, 
know what sacred memories are connected 
with the old building, wherein once lay 
wounded the gay, noble and chivalric /.«- 

On the south side of t'hurcb Slroot, facing 
Main Street, and opposite the large Moravian 
Church, stands the celebi'ated " Bethlehem 
Seminary for Young Ladies," where, not 
only the daughters of the members of the 
Jloravian Church, residing in the town, re- 
ceive their education ; but hundreds of others 
from all parts of the United States, the West 
Indies and the Sand-wioh Islands. During 
the session of 1863, and 18G4, this school had 
26.'! pupils, and the tolal number that year 
attending the schools in Bethlehem, includ- 
ing the public school, was 985. 

The Moravians make the education of tlie 
young, one of their specialties, and there are 
Eohocls for young ladies in each of their 
principal settlements in America, namely, 
at Litiz, Pa.; Salem, North Carolina, and at 
Jlope, Indiana; and at Chaska, Minnesota, 
fjr boys and girls; and one at Nazareth, Pa., 
for boys. 

The children C'f tlie Moravians are so edu- 
cated, that they are not only kind aud cour- 
teous to the stratger, but they are loving, 
obedient children. This is not only evinced i 
by their amiability at home, but by their 
correct deportment abroad. Grape vines, 
loaded with their treasures, (the favorite 
jdace for them seems to be over the doorways 
of th3 dwellings,) and trees whose limbs are 
laden with ripe fruits, stand temptingly in 
the streets, yet Ihe children and people of 



tl'.o tov/n never touch Ihcm, without the 
permission of the owners. 

This is another beautiful illustration of the 
character of thecc people, once so little un- 
derstood, but now, each day becoming to be 
more fully appreciated by thcgood and think- 
ing in all classes of society. Bethlehem has 
ceased to be a Moravian sctl'.cmeut, but it is 
to be hoped that their inllueucc may long be 
felt among the | eople of this pleasant town. 

The boarding school for girls consists of 
three large adjoining buildings on Church 
Street, with a handsome chapel iu the rear. 
The centre building in front, three stories in 
height, with its steep roof, aud two rows of 
attic windows, is a well jirescrvcd relic of 
the old style of Moravian buildings. It was 
originally " The Single Brethren's House," 
and reminds one of a first class "Man of 
War," (before steam came into vogue,) on 
the stocks, the windows resembling heropen 
ports; it was erected before the Eevolution- 
ary War, of 1776, and was used during that 
period as the general hospital by the Ameri- 
can, forces. Many distinguished American 
officers were inmates there at dilTerent 
times, either as patients or visitors; among 
them, General Lafayette, suflering from the 
wounds he had received at the battle of 
lirandywine. 

On the brow of ibe hill, to the right hand 
of the public road, leading to Allentown, 
and west of the Manockasy, lie the remains 
of about otic ihovsmnl American soldiers, who 
died in this hospital during the war; no 
monument has been erected totheirmemory, 
aud no stone marks the place of their repose. 

From the annual catalogue issued by the 
"Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies," 
the following facts that cannot be refuted, 
are gathered. It is an establishment under 
the direction of the Moravian Church, and 
has been in successful operation as a' board- 
ing school since the year 1 ','35, and is believed 
to ba the oldest institution of the kind in the 
UaitedStates. Located iu ahealthful section 
of the State, in the midst cf the charming 
scenery of the Lehigh Valley, among a peo- 
]i!c distinguished for a high moral lone of 



6= 
2s> 










BETHLEHEM, T E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



101 



character, and of a superior education, this 
Echool pocsesses external advantages that 
cannot be surpassed. The Seminary play 
grounds are large, ar 1 laid out -with taste. 
The many lovely places of resort in the vi- 
cinity are frequently visited by the scholars 
under the care of their teachers. 

Since the foundation of the Academy,more 
than /?rc thousand of its Alttnuue have spread 
its reputation over all parts of the Union. 
More scholars are offered nearly every year 
than can be accommodated. The course of 
instruction, while it keeps pace with the 
progress of society, and the advancement of 
science, has in its leading principles and 
mode of government, been in no wise changed 
since its establishment, and anything that 
would give it the reputation and oliaraoter 
of a fuslnnnalle boarding school, has been 
carefully avoided. Everything is done to 
discipline and develop the mind, to instil 
moral and religious principles, give a heal- 
thy physical development to the body, and 
fit the pupils for a useful life. The school is 
conducted on religious, but not sectarian 
principles. The scholars attend service only 
in their own chapel, and in the Moravian 
Church. The scholastic year begins in Sep- 
tember and ends in July. The total charge 
for the year is about $275. The educational 
boots are an extra charge. The foreign lan- 
guages, music, drawing and ornamental 
needle work, are considered elective studies, 
for which an extra compensation is required. 

One of the most interesting occasions at 
the Seminary, is the annual "entertain- 
ment," generally held about the 1st of July 
of each year, when the town and hotels are 
crowded with anxious mothers and fathers, 
and other relatives of the young ladies. The 
exercises were formerly held in the large 
Moravian Church, but are now given in the 
"New Chapel" attached to the school, which 
was built during the summer of 1868. , As a 
matter of course, a programme of one of these 
great occasions is given. Bethleheraites 
are great on programmes, every thing is 
done decently, and in order, in this good old 
Moravian town. 



OHDER OF EXERCISES AT THE 

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT 

Given hy the Yoiivg Ladies of the Iilnravain Seminary 
at Bethlehem, Vt'edneidiiy Evenivij, July 12, ises. 



Chorus — 95th Psalm. Mendelssohn. 
'• 0, come let xis worship nml kneel liefore the Lord.'' 
Recitation — Far away. " The land that is 
very far otT." Is. ;!3. 17. 
Miiiy McOrn, \e\v York. 
Song — " Rose, how enchanting art thou." 
Spohr. 
Mury Ecky, rlnlatle]i)hi.a. 
riano Forte — Reigen der Sylphen. 
Mary Geisseutifiiner, Bethlehem. 
Song — Das bettelnde Kind. Gumbert. 

Kate SelfiWge, Bethlehem. 

German Recitation — Dergerettete Juengling. 

Herder. 

Sallie Bilker, Quincy, 111. 

Piano Forte — Unefleuranimee. Carl Mayer. 

Jennie Sensenmu, Nazareth, Pa. 
Trio—" Hearts feel that love Thee." Men- 
delssohn. 
1st Soprano — Sarah Xlenry, N. Y. 

Ernestine Schniid, N. Y". 
May Sanl, N. Y. 
Mary Chew, Millville, X. J. 
2(1 Soprano — Marie Belloni, Harlem, N. X, 

Jennie Senseman, Nazareth, Pa. 
Mary Holland, Eelhleheni. 
Lizzie Adams, Newark, N. J. 
Alto— Julia Baker, Qiiincy, 111. 

Larry Belloni, Harlem, N. Y". 
Kate Glover, Harrishnrg, Pa. 
Recitation — The Evening Walk. 

Lizzie Mitchell, N. Y'. 
Quartett— Piano Forte a 4 ms.. Violin. Vio- 
loncello. 
Annie Stein, Betlilelioni. 
Kate Selfridge, Bethlehem. 
Piano Forte — Chant du Bivouac. Ketterer, 

Mary Holland, Bethlehem. 
French Recitation— Noces et Festins. 
Georgie Davy, Newark, N. J. 
Agatha Schur7,,Betlibhem. 
Alice E. Pine, S. Y. 
Quartett — " As pants the hart." Thomas. 
Amelia Tnrman, South Amboy, N. J. 
Maria Wundcrling, .\r.zarcth. Pa. 
Messrs, lUu and Goth, Bethlehem. 
Piano Forte— Etude.' Carl Mayer. 
Facnie Jenks, Brookville, Pa. 



10: 



IIISTOIIICAL SKETCH OF 



Simg— Tlio WimJeiur. SchubiTl. 

JiiUu Itiiker, Quiiioy, Jtl. 

riano Forte Duett— La Balludiiie. Lysborg. 

Ijzzio AUunis, Newark, N. .7. 

Lizzit! llentoii, Ni-wark, N. J. 

( Iiorus — From " Taradiso and the l*ori." 

Schuinan. 
Kccitatiou— Story of Blue Beard. 

Piiuliuc DemoDPt, Brouklyu, N. Y. 
Oillio Si>ivey, Saviiumili, Ga. 
EriH'Stiuf Svliliiitl. X. Y. 
Altlu-a Schmiil, N. Y, 
BiTlIia Bahm-r, St. Louis, Mi\ 
Clara Downing, Duwnington, Pa. 
.\ila Spivoy, Savannali, Oa. 
IsaKl Uobeits, I'hiluiUli.liia. 
Larghctto— Prom adSyuijdiouic. TJuett with 
Melodeon accompaniment. Betliovcn. 
Carrif Ccssuji, ItL'dfuni. I'a. 
Adilie Mercnr, Towanila, I'a. 
I'-.;ott—"' Speed my bark." Nculiomm. 
Mary Ecky, Pbiladeliiliia. 
Maria "WuLderliug, Nazareth, Pa. 
riano Forte — Ernani. Prudent. 
Nettie Corey, Newark, N. .T. 
Trio — " Lift thine eyes." Mendelssohn. 
l>t Sctprano — Mary Jenks, Brookville, Pa. 
Fannie Jenks, Brookville, Pa. 
Jessie David«)n, Yonkers, N. X. 
Sarnli Henry, N. Y. 
Kate Selfridge, Betlileliem. 
"J S.'prauo — ^lary Belloni, HarlenuN. Y*. 
l.anra Wolle, Bellileheni. 
Mary HoUanil, Bethlelieni. 
Jennie Sensenicn, Nazareth, Pa. 
Ellen Lanbach, Danville, Pa. 
Alto — Kate Glover, Harrisburg. 
Julia Baker, Quincy, III. 
Coorglo Benueson, Quincj', 111. 
Larry Belloni, llarlent, N. Y- 
Kecitation — " The Little llcartease." 

Agatha Schuiz, Bethlehem. 
Arie — From Frcischutz. Weber. 
Mary Jenks, Brookville, Pa. 
rii.no Forte Duett— Tlie Huguenots. E. \\\<\ ff. 
S:illie Baker, Qviiuey, 111. 
Prof. Aglhe. 
Song — The Erl King. Sliubert. . 

Jessie Davidson, Y'onkers, N. Y". 
llecitatioii — "Along the Tath of Life." 

Nettie Corey, Newark, N.J. 

Chorus — " Come, enjoy this day of pleasure." 

. Conconc. 

>7adam Dressler'd Pupils. 



Kecitation — Midsummer's Eve. 

Lizzie Arms, Philadelphia, 
riano Forte — La Juivc. Prudent. 

Maty Jenks, Brookvi'.le, P.l. 

Kecitation — The Owl. 

Isabel Lange, Bethlehem. 

Chorus — " 0, hail us ye free!" from Ernani. 

Verdi. 

Hymn — 

Lord, di^nliss us with tliy blessing. 

Fill our hearts with joy and peace; 
Let us each, tliy love posseesin^;, 

Ti'ium])h in redeeming grace; 
refresh us, ilj: 
Trav'iing through this wilderness. 

One of the young gentlemen who was at 
this entertainment, after his return home 
from the visit, llius described it in the Eas- 
ton Argun, a few days later, heading his ef- 
elTusion : 

"' Brother Charlie's' account of his visit to 
the Bethlehem Seminary entertainment. 
" ' The man that hath not music in him.self. 

Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds. 
Is fit for treason, stratagem and spoils,' 

" Shaks[>eare's opinion is ours also. Music 
always has charms for us, and beauty in- 
invariably attracts us; therefore, we deter- 
mined to attend the cutertainmeut last week. 

" About half-past six, we arrived at the 
church, and found it already crowded. What 
a gala.xy of beauty, was there assembled I 

" The stage was very tastefully decorated 
with greens. At the rear sat a number of 
gentlemen assistants, while on either side, 
were the young ladies, looking very happy, 
and very, very beautiful. 

" The cxcrcifes opened with ashortaddress 
Ijy the l^riucijial, the Eov. Francis WoUc, 
in which he gave a summary of the last 
year's work, and stated the prospects of the 
Seminary for the ensuing year. 

" Then followed both vocal and instrumen- 
tal music, interspersed with'recitalions. 

" The pieces were all so well executed, that 
to make particular mention of one, were to 
do injustice to the others. 

" Upon that ro3trum, all the divisions of 
our glorious Tnion were represented. Ponn- 
Bylvania and her neighbors may well bo 



E E T II L E II E rr, P E ^^ N S Y L V A N I A. 



10-3 



in-oucl at being able to say, that such an in- 
stitution is within their borders, and that so 
much beauty and talent can be displayed by 
tlioir daughters : wliile our elegant and ac- 
complished Western sisters can never be 
surpassed. The Southern States may be 
clad (hat they have yet some to show to the 
world, what they were, and might yet have 
been ; while, withour Eastern friends, it were 
i:npossible to find fault. 

••At the conclusion of the entertainment, 
wo adjourned to the Eagle, where soon ^-o 
were gaily tripping through the mazes cf 
the giddy dance. Here, many of us, bad (he 
l>leasure of meeting near and dear relatives, 
while the rest consoled themselves with the 
agreeable task of promenading, dancing, or 
chatting merrily with friends." 

The Moravians were much annoyed .lur- 
ing the Revolutionary War of 1770, on ac- 
count of their refusing to bear arms, from 
which they were exempted by an act of Par- 
liament of Great Britain, and because, like 
the Quakers, it was a part of their religious 
discipline at that time to do so; they con- 
sidered it wrong in principle to engage in 
offensive warfare, they suffered in conse- 
quence on all sides, but remained firm in 
their determination. This article of their 
faith seems now to bo abandoned, for a more 
patriotic people do not at this time exist in 
the United States. They proved this in tlie 
great rebellion that has been lately suppress- 
ed ; when the town was almost draine.l of its 
young men, most of whom were Moravians. 
T!ie 4Cth regiment of Pennsylvania volun- 
teers, consisted almost altogether of men 
from Northampton County ; one company, C, 
being from Bethlehem and its immediate' 
vicinity. General Knipe was the original 
colonel, but being promoted for bravery, 
Erevet Brigadier-General, James L. Selfridg'e, 
the first captain of the Bethlehem Company, 
became its commander, and led it through 
the entire war ; ending its glorious career by 
accompanying General Sherman on his 
"grand march to the sea." 

There was also a part of a company from 
the tr.vn, in the 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy 



Artillery, which was commanded by my old 
friend and comrade. Colonel Augustus A. 
Gibson, of the regular army. 

Bethlehem also claims amongst her heroes. 
Generals Schurz, Sigcl, Sehimmelfonning 
and Dostcr, whose families lived in the town 
during the rebellion. The latter is a Mora- 
vian, and now a distinguished member of the 
Easton bar. 

Several other military organizations, be- 
sides those mentioned, had Bethlehemitea 
amcng their members; and during each rebel 
raid on Pennsylvania, the borough furnished 
a full company of men on 24 hours notice, 
fully armed and equipped for the defence of 
the State. 

We insert here a portion of the memorial 
'>f the Ecthlehem Company in the 46th reri- 
ment, and a complete list of all the com- 
missioned oiEcers serving in all arms of the 
service, during the late civil war, a record 
of the bravery of her sons, of which the old 
town has a just right to be very proud of. 

THE SOLDIEKS- MEMORIAL. 

Company C, 46th Regiment Pennsylvania 

Veteran Volunteers. 

Conqyaiii/ OJicers. 

William II. Stolzenbach, Cnptoin. 

AVonndod July 20, 1804. 
.Tames JIcQiiillan, First Liimt., 

WounJuJ Kay 24, 1S02. 
Owen li. Sigley, Second Lieut.,. 



■\VuuncIed June 16, 1SC4. 

SERGEANTS. 

I^.aac D.ivi3. 
James A. Peifer. 
John J. Davis, * 

Wuunjed and taken i)risoner .\u;;ll^t 0, 1SG2. 
William H. Kichelbergor, 

Taken prisoner May 24, 1S02. 
Daniel Davis, 

Woumled September 17, 1865. 

CORPORALS. 

I-evi Benner. 
Hugh Lynn=, 

Wounded August 9, 1S(;2. 
John C. Abbott, 

Taken piisuner August 9, 1S63. 
Mm. ir. McMnnagle, 

Wounded Juno 9th, ISfU, 
.luhn Moore, 

Wuuuded July 20, l'.G4. 
Julius A. Bealer, 

Taken prisoner M ly 2, 1S|J2. 



104 



i: I S T 11 I C A L S K i: T C II OF 



Joba riilri.li, 

Itiiiiii'l Ili'.liiir.I. 

JMwiircl TriixcU — luiisiciiin. 

r.t\i<I ]:iU'hin:ui — wagouiT. 

TranT/crrrtl . 
Juscj.'! Miichot;, FiiTit LivHt., ti) Ciii)t:u:i of C >. I. 
IMiuiiikI Cra:ii>if, SergJ., to Sl-coihI I.i:'Tit. cf Co. IT. 

PronifiUd. 
Hornet-' II. Joiu's, to Second Lii-ut. L\*. G. 
Thomas IJ. Ooniian, to Sorgl. Miyor. 
1,1'vi Ticc, to llt'g't Quarter Muster. 
Charles li. j:erarl.v, to Selg't Mnjor. 
Jaaies T. A»hur. to A:'S't Surgeon 77th P. V. 
Fiaiik'.iu Weaver, Corp'I, to Veteran II- serve Corps. 

ViscUartjeil. 
Owen A. I.uel,<'ubaeh, Captain, October IX I'd, f r 

wountI.-<. 
WiMiani l;. Thomas. Fir.«t I.ient., .Mare)i -1, If f J. 
John C. Feller, Seconil Lieut. 
Kobert 1!. Denlr.v, Serg't, DeccniUer ].'>, l.Srj. 
Heurj- r.. Levers, Serg't, Novilnher il, ISCi. 
IJ.'nj. n. Weaver, First Serg't, Oct. 21, ISCi, wor.n.ls. 
rob't r. Williams, Cori)'l, Nov. 10, ISCJ, vvounils. 
Ceorgo A, Yohc, Corp'I, December 12, ISCl. 

Our space will not permit the insertion of 
ILc lionor.ible record of tlie jirivule solilicrs. 
On tlic Jleniorial it is slaieil : 

" The rcjiinent arrived atCatnp Kalurama, 
AVasliinglon, 1). C, September 1!*, ISCI, and 
were Eonn after assigned to General Wil- 
liam's Prigado, Bank's Division, on the Up- 
]>er Potomac. Tlie regiment took part in .ill 
I'.ic campaigns of General Banks ; and was in 
ijic Division when it was assigned to the 
army of Virginia, under General Pope, suf- 
fering severely at the battle of Cedar Moun- 
tain, losing fully two-thirds of its number. 
Took part in the Da]ipahannock campaign; 
nlso, the Maryland campaign, ending with 
Antietam. The old division of General 
Banks having been transferred to the ]21h 
corps, under General Slocum; took part in 
all the varied campaigns of the Army of the 
rotomac, until the fall of ISC", when the 
Ilth and 12lh corps were transferred to the 
Army of the Cumberland. 

The regijnent re-cnlistod in January, lSfi-1, 
and returned to Pennsylvania on a 30 days' 
furlough. In the Spring of l.SG-1, the Uth 
and 12th corps were consolidated, and form- 
ed (ho 201h corps, under General Ilooker, 



and participated i:i a!l the tubsequent cam- 
paigns of General SUermau through Gcor ia 
and the Carolinas, ending with the Eurrcn<;i r 
of Johnstone's Debel Army, and the i:ia:'( '.i 
from tliencc to Washington, where it j.-.r- 
ticipatod in the Cratut lUt-kir, May 24, l*iCj. 
Mustered into the United States' service 
September 4, ISCl, at Ilarrisburg. r.e-mus- 
tercd as veterans, January KUh, i;C4, at 
Dcchert, Tennessee. 

Ent/affcmcnts. 
V. incliester, Va., March 23, IRCl. 
>:idaielo«n, Va , May 25, ISCl. 
Winchester, Va., >:ay 20, 18C1. 
Cedar Mountain, Va., August 0, lSr2. 
Suliihur Springs, Va.. Ai:gn!-t 27, 1?CJ. 
S.ulh Mount.-.in, Md., S.-pt. 4, 1SC2. 
Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1SC2. 
Chancellorsvillc, Va., May 1,2, G, 1SC3. 
Gettysburg. I'a., .July 1, 2, 3, lCr.3. 
r.esaci, Ca, May 1.5, 1804. 
Caasvillc, Oa., May 1'.), 1SC4. 
Dallas, Ga., May 2j, 1804. 
I'iue Knob, Ga., Juno 0, 1SC4. 
Culps Farm, Ca., June 22, ISGt. 
I'each Tree Creek, July 20, 1SC4. 
Atlanta, G.i., Sept. C, 1SC4. 
Cypress Swamp, Ga., Dec. 8, 1SC4. 
Savannah, Ga., Dec. 21, 1SC4. 
Chcsterfleia C. II., S. C, March 2, ISCJ. 
Avery.'l'Oro, K. C, March 14, ISUS. 
Kcntonsville, X. C, Slarch 10, ISC'i. 
1 Coon r.un, N. C, April 10, ISC.",. 

The Soldiers' Memorial is printed on a 

I handsomely illustrated sheet, surrounded ly 

warlike implements and scenes, including a 

1 ."pirited sketch of an engagement in the field. 

JiS. I.. SelfhidOE.— Captain of Co. A, 1st I'a. Vols.~ 

I three ninntlis 8?rvice — April 20, ISCl. 

Kc-entercd ns Lieut. Col. of the 4''lh regiment Pa. 

Vols. August S, ISCl; promoted to Col. May 10, ISC;; ; 

. ^er^ ed in the Army of the rotomac until the fall of the 

J year 1SC3, when his regiment jt»iue«l the Army of the 

I Cumberland under General Sherman, nnd formed a 

part of the forces who made the grand march to the 

6ca. IIo was promoted to Brig. Gen. by Brevet, March 

IC, 1S0.5; mustered out of service July 10, 1SC5. llo 

WiLS afterwards Collector of luternal Revenue fer the 

I 11th District of Pa., nndHs now Clerk of the House 

of Ueprcsentatives of Penusylvania, 

IlEV. "W. llENRT l!lCE. — Chaplain of the 129th regi- 
ment Pa. Vols., entered the nine months' service Aug- 
ust 10, 1SC2, tlh army corps of the Army of the Po. 
tomac; mustered out May IS, 1SC3. 



K i: T II L E II ]; ji, r r N X s y l v a n i a. 



105 



The l:i-v. Mr. T,Uc was the only Moravian minister 
who acted as an ainty ohaphiin during the war. 

Capt. K. Moulton Goundie. — In the tlirco nionlhs' 
Bervice, Second Lieut, of Co. A., 1st regiment Peiina. 
Vols., rausten-d April 23, 18C1. Ke-enlisted in three 
years' service as First Lieut, of Co. G, 2nd Pa. Heavy 
Artillery, promoted to Ciptain, and mustered out ivitli 
regiment. Now civil engineer, Eetlilehrni, I'a. 

Doctor Frickhardt had two sons in the 2nd Pa. Ar- 
t;Hriy, Augustus and rrederick, who died in the ser- 
vice, aged respectively, eighteen and twenty years ; 
t'.iey were privates, imused to tlio hardships of a sol- 
dier's life, and diedin c mp before seeing active service. 
W1LLI.VM II. Stolzenbaco.— Entered the service April 
n, ISCl, a private of Co. A, 1st regiment Pa. Vols., 
tlirco months' service. Entered the three years' service 
as First S--rg't Co. C, 4GtIi regiment Pa. Vols., Septem- 
hcr 4, 18i;l ; promoted to Second Lieut. September 5, 
ISCl; First Lieut. March 4,1862; Captain, November 
1. 1£62. Served under General Banks, Hooker and 
Pope, of tlio Army of the Potomac; and re-enlisted un- 
der Slierman M-ith his regiment, as veteran volunteers, 
and was painfully wounded at the battle of Peach Tree 
Creek, July 20, 1S04, losing all the fingers of liis right 
hand, during the gratd march to the sea. Rejoined 
hii regiment at P.aleigli, N. C, and mustered out July 
10, 1SG6. 

Owes A. Luckexdacit.— lu the service three months 
under the first call. Entered tho three years' service 
as First L:eut. Co. C, 4:tli regiment P.i. Vols., August 
17, ISCl; promoted 1 1 Capt. Sept. 4, 1801 ; discharged 
on surgeon's certiticatc,Oc:obcr 2), 1SC2. Having been 
wounded at the battle of Cedar Menutain, August 0, 
1SC2, anil his right leg amputated. Kow United States 
Collector of Internal Eevjun-fjr t!io 11th District of 
Pennsylvania. 

John C. Fetter.— rutered the three years' service 
.\ugust IT, 1801 ; promo:cd ti) Second Lieut. November 
1, 1802, of Co. C, 40'h regiment Pa. Vols.; resigned 
September 10, ISCS. 

Owen B. Siclet.— After the Ihreo months' service, 
entered the 4Cth regiment Pa. Vols., August 17, 18C1 ; 
promoted Second Lieut. May 22, 1SC5; mustered out 
with his company, July 10, ISCo. Now publisher of 
the " TTcekly Progress," of South Bethlehem, Pa. 

CnARLEs B. McCARir.— In the three months' service; 
entered the tliree years' Bervice with Co. C, 10th regi- 
ment P.i. Vols.; p:omoted Serg't Major February 12, 
18G3 ; mustered out with regiment. He died Mav 20 
ISP", and on his tomb:-tono in the old Cemetery, is the 
following inscription. 

In memory of CnAni.rs B. SICahtv, late 

Sergeant ilajor of the 40th rcgimcut of 

Penna. Veteran Volunteers, 

Born March 24th, 1838, 

Died Slay 20th, l.Sfl7. 

Forever with the Lord. 



Tuos, B. Gorman. — In the three months' service with 
1st regiment Penna. Vols. In three years' service with 
40th regiment Penna. Vols. Promoted to First Lieut. 
Co. II., February 1, 1SC2. Dismi. scd the service by 
v.rdict of a Court Martial. 

Orvilee a. Grider.— Entered the nine months' ser- 
vice August 15, 1SC2, as Second Lieut, of Co. C, 1291Ii 
Pa. Vols. ; promoted to First Lieut. March 2S, K'lr, ■ 
mustered out with company. 

RODERT E. Abbott.— Entered nine months' service 
August 15, 1SC2, as Captain of Co. G, lC2nd regiment 
Pa. Vols.; severely wounded in the face at the battle of 
Antietam. Honorably discharged January 13, Isc;, 
on account of his wound. Now one of the proprietors 
of an iron foundry at Bethlehem. 

Edward IIammann.- Enlisted as a private in Knai p'a 
celebrated battery of Pittsburg, Pennsylvaniii, and roje 
to the rank of First Lieut, of artillery; mustered iiit 
of United States service with his companj-. Now a 
conductor on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. 

Dr. Abraham Stout. — Entered United States ser- 
vice October 1, 1802, as Assistant Surgeon of the ISiJrd 
regiment Pa. Vols., of the Army of t!io Potomac : mus- 
tered out July 21, 1SG3. Now a practising physician 
at Bethlehem. 

Dr. Charles E. Hdmphreys.— Entered tijo sirvieo 
May 14, 1863, as Assistant Surgeon of the 142nd re-i- 
ment Pa. Vols. ; promoted to Surgeon of the 143rd re-i- 
ment P.i, Vols., March 17, 1805 ; mustered out with 
regiment, June 12, 1865. Now Physician at Bethlehem. 

Alexander W. Selfridge. — Private in Co. A, 38tii 
regiment Pa. Vols., June, 1801; promoted Second 
Lieut. Co U, 40th regiment Pa. Vols., February 0. 1802. 
Served in the Shenandoah Valley under General Banks. 
Was twice captured, escaped the first time ; on the sec- 
ond occasion, accused of violating his parole, but ac- 
quitted of the charge and sent to '• Libby Prison'' with 
the rest of General Pope's officers. Exchanged in four 
months, joined his regiment in tho field, and was pro- 
moted to Captain of his company. Served with Sher- 
man during his great march to the sea. At Altoona 
was appointed .acting Commisiary of Subsistence on 
General Knipe's staff. Then on tlie staff of General 
Eroughton, in the same capacity, and afterwards on 
the staff of Gennal Selfridgo, (his uncle,) Bleveted 
iM;ijor 3Iarcli 13, 1805, for his gallantry during the war, 
and honorably mustered out of SL-rvico August, 1800. 

Horace B. JoxES.—rntered tlie nine months' service 
September 1, 1803, as First Lieat. of Co. G, 4Cth regi- 
ment Pa. Vols.; resigned September 23, 1801. 

Joseph A. Far. — Entered the service October 7, lsr2, 
as Captain of Co. B., 153 regiment Pa. Vols., Army of 
the Potomac. Mustered out Julj' 24, 1863. 

Henrt J. Oerter.— Entered the service as Captain 
of Co. C, 153 regiment Pa. Vols., October 7, 1S62; mua- 



100 



lIISTOniCAI. SKKTCII OF 



UtM uiil .hi'y i'l, 1SC;1. Now ilcconscd, nnil IniiictI i;i 
lit c:J Moniviuu griive ynril ut BftliU'liem. 

iJcxj'x F. BoYrit. — Kntercd tijo torvico for iiiiK- 
::iOlillis', us SiCoIul IJiut. Co. C, lj3iil icniinont I'li. 
\u'.^.; ii'sigticil Jaimaiy 22, 1S0;J. Now nurcluilit in 
JMIildu'lu. 

Joiix Fn£Dr.nicK R. I'niEAUFr.— Eutcrcd l!ic service 
A in: I 2), tSt'il,n8 First Lieut., tlirecniou:Iis, nfttTwunld 
in till* nine months* service, with tho 16:}ril regiment 
r.i. Vols, as M;ijor. A.-'sistiUit Inspector Geucriil for 
(ii-ncnil Mcljiws; mustered out wi:h rtgiment July 
-I, 1*^*13. Now attorney-at-liivv, Litiz, r.i. 

OWEX r.lCE, Jr. — Kutered tliu uino uiontlis' service 
ill li«rd regiment I'u. Vols., as Cii['taiu of Co. A, Octo- 
her T, 1SG2; mustered out widi reiriineiit, July 2:j,lSiJC. 
Mounded at Cliancellolsviile, Now a onii,-gi3t at 
Lancaster, Tii. 

A,\riRi:w A. I.rcKENUACB.— Kntercd the service as 
I'livato ill Co. A, Ut regiment Fa. Vols., April, ISOI, 
three months; re-entered servico August IG, 1SC2, as 
First Lieut. Co. C, 12^th regiment Fa. Vols., l;ine 
months; promoted to Captain Mardi IS, ISCo, and 
mustered out May IS, 1SG3. Now miller at Bethlehem. 

WllxlAM D. LucKEXB.vcu. — Entered tho servico for 
nine montlis, August 12, lSG2,as private in Co. C, 12?tli 
Fa. Vols.; re*entered Bcn'ico September 4, 18C4, as 
First Lieut, and Aiyutant of 202 rc-imeiit Pu. Vols, for 
(►ueyear; promoted to A'^sistant Adjutant General to 
General Alhright, of the Army of the Potomac ; mn.^- 
tered out of service August 4, 1SC5. Now attorney-at- 
l.iw, Allentown, Pa. 

Captain JONATn.w K. TvYLoit has the followit;; re- 
cord engraven on his tcmb, in ih.- oM BeMilehem grave 
yard : 
'•To the memory of Captain JON.\TIIAN K.TAYLOR, 

Co. C, 129th rcgi:nent Pa. Vols., sou of Uavid and 
llannab K. Taylor, who received a mortal 
wound at the battle of Fredericksburg, 
December 13, 1862, and ilicd at George- 
town, D. C, March 2.S, 1SC3, aged 
20 years, 11 months and 20 
days. By his comrades 
iu arms.'* 

Cut upon a thield, surmounted by the American eagle, 
nud ornuraentcd by the national flag, and Ihobataltiou 
colorB. 

Lieut. C(d. Samuel WETnEBiii. entered the United 
Slates servico us tho Captain of Co. 11, wliicli ho raised 
by his own exertions, on tho 25th of September, ISOl, 
and served with distinction until tho end of the war, 
when bo was mustered out October 2, 1SG4, having 
attained the rank of M.-Jor. On tho 13th of March. 
IS'35. lie was breveted as a Lieut. Col. for distiliguislied 
cervices during the war. Ho is n son of tho lato ec- 
tnlrlo John Price Wetherlll,of Philadelphia, wl.o was 



in his daya prominent man, and a I'opiibir lueniber of 
llio Musouic fraternity. 

Tho Rev. Mr. Nevix, lato Rector of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church of the Nativity, In Soulli Relhkhem, 
wiLS the commander during the war, of Kevin's ce'e- 
brated Battery of Light Artillery, lie is now in char;;'! 
of tho American Chapel at Rome, In Italy. 

Tho following short sketch of coiiipa:iy \, 
4th regiment I'ennsylvauia Cavalry, i.i in- 
serted, to give some idea of the nature and 
extoul of the duty performed by our soldiers 
iu the field. It was in this comjiany, as 
will bo seen, that General AVilliant Eiiiil 
Doster entered the service. 

Comiiany A, 4lh regiment, rennsylvania 
Cavalry, was reeruitedon the" Sand Island," 
Bethlehem, iu August, 18C1, from Bethlehem, 
Easton, AVeisspi>rt, Summit Hill and Maucli 
Chunk. Tho company left Bethlehem IM 
strong, and was mustered into llarlan's Cav- 
alry, (afterwards the llth Tenua.,) at Phila- 
delphia, August IJ, 1£C1, with thd following 
officers. 

Capt. Win. Emil Doster, Bethlehem. 
First Lieut., Herman Horn, AVcissport. 
Second Lieut., Edward Tomblcr, Bethlehem. 

The con:7>any was transferred to the 4'Lh 
Penna. Cavalry, commanded successively by 
Cols. Coinpbell, Childs, (killed at Antietam,) 
Kerr, Doster, Covodc, (killed at St. Mary's 
Church,) and Young ; and served to the close 
of the war, in 2nd Brig. 2nd Div., Cavalry 
Corps, Army of the Potomac, being atdilTcr- 
ent times underthecommandof Gens. Ke3-es, 
Stoneman, Avcrill, Plcasanton, Kilpatrick, 
Gregg, Duffio and Sheridan. 

It participated in tho following cngage- 
uients : — Gaines' Hill; Charles City Cross 
Roads ; Hedgcville ; Antietam ; Markham 
Station; Kellcy's Ford; Chanccllorsville; 
Vpperville; Bliddleburg; Aldie; Snicker's 
Gap ; Gettysburg ; Sheppardstown ; Bcalton ; 
Ilhappahanock Station; Beverly Ford; Cul- 
pepper; Trcvilian Station ; Todd's Tavern; 
Sulphur Springs; Deep Bottom ; St. Mary's 
Church ; Beam Station ; Stony Creek ; Boyd- 
ton Road ; Wyatt's Farm, and BellcCcld. 

Eighteen of the company were captured 
at Sulphur Springs, and died at Andcrson- 
ville, including A. Vallon, of South Bcthlo- 



EETnLEnEM, PENNSYLVANIA, 



107 



hem, First Serg't, and Josiah McHose, of 
Hanover. 

Capt. Tumljler served through all the cam- 
] aigu before Richmond, noted for bravery 
and discipline. On the march ijtcfore Gettys- 
burg, hesuciumbed to chronic diarrhoea, and 
■was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, 
if which he commanded a batalliou to the 
close of the war, at Evansville, Indiana. 
Capt. Andrews succeeded Capt.Tombler, and 
was breveted Major, he commanded the 
company until the death of Col. Covode. 
•Capt. Andrews was succeeded by Cajit. Ily nd- 
raan,of JIauch Chunk, r.-ho was also breveted 
Major. 

Capt. Dostcr was, in October, ISCl, pro- 
moted to Major, in March, 1SC2, assigned to 
duty on the slaQ" of Cien. James S. Wads- 
worth, and appointed to succeed Gen. Porter 
as Provost Marshal of the cities of Washing- 
ton, Cieorgetown, and Alexandria. In March, 
1SG3, he took command of his regiment as 
Lieut. Colouol. During Stoneman's raid 
before Chancellorsville, he was put in com- 
mand of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. At Up- 
perville, Va., during a charge on Fitzhugh 
Lee's cavalry, he was captured, but by kill- 
ing his captor, Buccecdcd in rejoining his 
command. He was subsequently transferred 
to the Colonelcy of the 5th Penna. Cavalry, 
and breveted Erig. Gen. for gallant and 
meritorious conduct at Gettysburg. Now 
attorney-at-!aw, at Easton, Pa. 

Col. IIexkt Coppze, L. L. D., PrcsidfUt of the Lehigh 
University, anil now a resident of South Bethlehem, 
W.13, during the rebellion, aid dc-canip to Governor 
Curtin, of Peiins-j-lvauia, and in that c.ipacity, being a 
graduate of "West Toiiit, was cf great service to the 
State. He also, during lljat time, edited the United 
States Service Blagazlne; r.nd after the war, wrote an 
excellent life of our Trcsidcnt, General U. S. Giant. 

Jonx n. r.lCE, of Bitlilehcm. was the Second Lieut, 
of Co. II, 11th regiment Penna. Cavalry. 

David A. Luckexbach waa The captain of a company 
of boya during the rebellion, who were handsomely 
equipped, and exceedingly wtll diiUed, and deserve 
mention. He served a3 Orderly Sergeant on three 
different occasions in the companies of militia raised iu 
Bethlehem dniiug the rebel raids on the State; when 
he declined the office of Second Lieut, the first time, 
that of First Lieut, on tho second, and that of Captain 



on the third, for either of which posi'iona he was well 
qualified, saying that he c-juld be of more service as F.rzt 
Sergeant. Now one tho proprietors of tlio old Mill at 
Bethlehem. 

From the Bethlehem Daili/ Times the follow- 
ing account of the proceedings ou " Decora- 
tion Day" of May 29th, 1809, is copied, viz: 
" Decoration Day. — In all ages of tho 
world and in all nations, it has been the cus- 
tom of the living to honor the memory of 
the dead, who lost their lives in battle for 
thedefenceof their country. Yesterday and 
Saturday were set apart by the highest au- 
thority in the Grand Army of the Republic 
for the decoration of the graves of soldiers 
who lost their lives iu the Union armies 
during the late civil war, as also of those 
who at any time fell in the defence of the 
country and under her flag. In this exer- 
cise it was designed that all citizens should 
unite. Owing to the fact that comparatively 
short notice had been given for praparatiou 
for the decoration of the graves of Beth- 
lehemites and strangers who lie in soldiers' 
graves in and about the town, it was feared 
that the turnout of citizens would be meagre ; 
but such was not the case. A goodly num- 
ber of those who thought they could spare a 
quarter of a day from labor to honor tho 
graves and memory of those who died that 
they might labor whole days iu peace and 
safety, were present. For some reason, to 
us unknown, the citizens were not marshaled 
in line, and therefore did not add their num- 
bers to the line of the procession. A drum 
corps with life, members of the G. A. R., 
young ladies with boquets for the graves, 
and numbers of the firemen from all the 
companies, formed the order of procession. 
We have only to add that those who partici- 
pated in the decoration of soldiers' graves in 
and about Bethlehem, on Saturday, May 29, 
18G9, were abundantly satisBed with tho 
exercises, and that, now that Post 182, Grand 
Army of the Republic, is fully organized, 
they expect on all occasions of the kind here- 
after, to be fully prepared to do honor to 
their fallen comrades. 

" When the last graves had been decorated , 
in the old Moravian Burying Ground, Gen. 



108 



11 1 s T 11 1 <;• A 1- ? K i; T c n r 



Solfri(lgc,thc Chief Marshal, intrcxUiccdlicv. 
Mr. Novin.of the Church of the Nativity, of 
South Bethlehem, ivlio made a short address 
full of coiuprehensive patriotism, of honor 
to the dead 6oIdier and Bailor, and of hope 
for jfeacc and harmony in our great country, 
and of exhortation to be true to the spirit of 
our institutions, the permanence of which 
depends upon the citizen soldiery of the coun- 
try. 

" We cannot more fittingly close these 
hasty words concerning what Bethlehem 
and her surviving soldiers and citizens did 
to honor the memory of their dead comrades 
and protectors than to quote these words of 
the poet Montgomery : 

'•Give mo the death of thoso 

M'ho for tlicir conutry die ; 
Aii:l oh ! be mine like their repose, 

When cold and low they lie! 
Their loveliest mother earth 

Kurtlirines the fallen bi-ave ; 
In her sweet lap, who gave thent hirtli, 
They find their tranquil grave." 

"The following is a list of those soldiers 
whose graves were decorated with flowers in 
the old Moravian Burying Ground. 

Capt.J. K.Taylor; Capt. J. II. Rice : Lieut. 
Merrill; Clarence Kampman; F. Fickardt; 
Hiram Yohc; Henry Haas ; Capt. H. J. Oor- 
ter; Lieut. E. Poster; Serg't Maj. McCarty ; 
E. A. Slolzenbach; A. Fickardt; Jno. C. 
Uagen ; J. B. Vail, (navy.) 

In Nisky Hill Cemetery.— Albert C. Cnrt- 
right; John Jones. 

•In the Lutheran Grave Yard.— Ei'.ward 
Troxell ; Tobias Jones. 

In the Methodist Grave Yard.— Urias 
B.idiler; Hess; Schwabb. 

In the year I860, the Military Companies 
of the town, consisted of the "Bothlchcm 
Artillery," Captain WllUnm Wilson, 31. J)., 
now deceased. The company had a fine ar- 
mory in the large brick structure in Broad 
street, east of New street on the north side; 
the building was erected for that purpose. 
The Masonic Lodge of Bethlehem now hold 
their meetings in the upper portion of the 
house. The " Washington Grays," comman- 
ded by Captain Jumea L. Sd/n'tfge, now Bre- 



vet Brigadier General of U. S. Volunteers, 
was then organized as a company of Infant- 
ry. There was also a compaiiy of Cavalry, 
known as the "Bethlehem Cavalry,' under 
Col. Geo. ]Vcnner. 

In this connection I cannot refrain from 
relating an incident which occurred during 
Zcc'» advance on Pennsylvania iu 1SC3, just 
preceding the battle of Gelli/sluiij. One Sun- 
day morning, in the latter part of June, 
whilst the congregation were at worship in 
the Moravian church, a telegraphic message 
was received from Governor Curtin, calling 
for a company of volunteers from Bethle- 
licm. Tho church bell was rung, creating 
the most intense excitement among the con- 
gregation. The drum corps was ordered out, 
marched through tho town, arousing all the 
inhabitants, who flocked to the " Eagle Ho- 
tel." As the people came from tlie church a 
meeting was organized, tho wishes of tho 
State authorities made known, volunteers 
called for, and enough men to form a com- 
pany, quickly enrolled their names. As each 
gave his name ho hurried home to equip 
himself for the field, and say good-bye to the 
loved ones there. Some, however, camo 
ready to march ; the long roll of the drums 
had told them their country called, and like 
most men of the day they were ready to take 
tlic field at a moment's notice, for none know 
how soon they might be called. Bo like tho 
old soldier all were ready to " fall in' when 
the order was given. A company fund was 
freely subscribed by the citizens and j-aid 
over to a treasurer selected by tho meeting. 
Company ofllcers were elected, viz., Frank 
C. Stone, captain; Wm. H. McCarty, 1st 
Lieutenant; Henry Schelly, 2d Lieutenant; 
together with five sergeants and eight cor- 
IJora!s. One gentleman, Dnvid 0. Lnckeitln'l:, 
was nominated for 2d Lieutenant, but de- 
clined, saying, " I would rather be orderly 
sergeant, I know the duties of that position 
best." He was accordingly elected to tlie 
desired position. 

In one hour from the time of sounding the 
alai-;ii, ninety-four men fully equipped and 
ably officered fell in, at the order, ready for 



BETHLEHEM, P E X N S Y L V A N I A. 



109 



Eervice in the fiolil. A short, stirring, aiul 
patriotic speech ivas made to the company, 
by the eloquent physician, Doctor Frederick 
A. Friekai-ilt ending, " God bless you 
boys! Go! we l;now you will do your dutr 
to your country." Then the drums bea!; 
parents, relatives and friends cheered, many 
with tears in their eyes, and choking sobs 
in their voices, as llicy licard thestern com- 
mand, " shoulder arms," " right face," " for- 
ward march I" and saw those they loved 
going from their sight perhaps forever. So 
many of those who but a short hour before 
were engaged in the service of their God, 
marched ready to serve their country in the 
hour of her direst need. 

When the company reached Keading. it 
was incorporated into the 34th Regiment of 
Pennsylvania Militia, under Col. Albright. 
Aim. S. ScJiro2)p, one of the members of the 
Bethlehem company, was elected Adjutant 
of the regiment with the rank of Lieuten- 
ant. Edmvnd Doster (now deceased) another 
private, was elected Regimental Quarter- 
maste3-. 

On a previous call for volunteers by the 
authorities of the State, a full companv of 
militia was raised on a few hours notice, and 
dispatched the same day to the front. The 
company consisted of eighty-six privates 
and non-commissioned otEcers. David 0. 
Luckenback being 1st Sergeant. The com- 
missioned ofticers were Joseph Peters, Cap- 
tain; F. J. Ilaus, 1st Lieutenant; Abraham 
S. Schropp, 2d Lieutenant. 

It was thus all over the couut.-y, that the 



nation's gallant sons rushed to arn:3, ai:d 
we astonished Foreign ]S"ations by showirg 
them that a free people could assemble a 
well-disciplined militia force in the field 
with the same marvelous rapidity, that they 
could put in motion their large ctanding 
armies; and we al'icrwards increased their 
surprise by disbanding a million and a half 
of soldiers in afewmonths ; returning Iheni 
quietly to the pursuits of civil life, and pay- 
ing all expenses of a gigantic civil war, 
without foreign aid of any kind, but nuK-h 
opposition. It is only in a republic, such as 
ours, where every man is free and unfettered 
in mind, body and estate, thct such things 
can be accomplished. 
0, thus bo it CTor, «hcn freeman sball stand 
Between Ihoir loveil huvMs, and llic wars desolation, 
Blessed witb rictory and jieace, may Leaven's resci:i d 

land; 
Bless the rower that liatli made and preserve.l us a 

Nation. * 

Bethlehem was full of soldiers during ti:o 
war. Recruiting ofnces for all arms of the 
service wore open. Recruits, veterans, sol- 
diers and ofBcers, sick, discharged, on duly, 
or on leave, gave the place the appearance 
of a Garrison town; and (he uniforms of the 
U. S. cavalry, infantry and artillery w-ere 
common in the streets. And during tli • 
long winter evenings as we gathered around 
the fire at the Eagle, "old soldier3"of twen- 
ty-four or younger, related the stories of 
their battles to their friends, and to eac'i 
other. May they air live long to tell their 
stories over again for many years to come. 



II' 



nTPTOT^icAL PKrTrn OF 




THE CHURCH AND SEMINARY. 

BETHLFBEM, PA. 



-16J0. 



CHAPTER XII. 
Tin: EsTFRrnsES of the JIojiavian Cinnrn. 
— Their Schools. — TiiEiri riULKATKN.'i. — 
TiiK Text-Book. — Kiiith Days, and rnEin 
Celebbation. — TnE First 1'iiinting Opfice. 
— The Newsimi-ers op tETni.EnEsi in 

TilE Past AND 1'kESENT. — '• FENNSyLVAXIA 

liiTCH." — Love- Feasts." — The Moravian 
CiiitisTxiAS PuTZ. — Tub '■ Yoiino Men's 
JIissioNAr.y Society," and Ciriusri.'.N As- 

FUCIATIOH OF CeTULEUEU. 



r avn"^ entcrpriscsof the Moravian Chuixvi, 
•Jkb Hie Homo and Foreign Missions, Edu- 
cational Institutions, and Publications. 

The Educational Institutions of the Mora- 
vian Church in America, arc vorv justly much 
esteemed, and enjoy tlie public confidence in 
s high degree; their schools are liberally pa- 
tronized, and many thousands of pujiils not 
belonging to the communion of the church, 
liave received their education in Moravian 
boarding schools. The Moravian Collcge,and 
the Seminary for females at Bethlehem, have 
already been referred to. Ktminth llttU 



Boarding School for Eoys, went into opera- 
tion in irSJ, and and lias been in succsssful 
operation ever since, at Kazareth, Pa., ■nith 
an average attendance of ninely-six pupils. 
Linden lltiU, at Litiz, Pa., a school for Girls, 
^va3 founded in 179:1, and has an average of 
100 scholars per year. Salem Academy, for 
Females, at Salem, Korth Carolina, where 
scholars ■\vcrc first taken in 1802, has had to 
this time over 4,000 pupils. Hvpe Academi/ 
j ut Hope, Indiana, was foundcil in ISfitJ, and 
' Cnaska Auudciinj, at Cliaska, Minnesota, was 
established in 1S05, both for the education 
i of females. 

The publication office, and store of the 
Church aro located at Bethlehem, Pa., of 
%vhich my good friend, Henry T. Clauder, is 
the amiable and efficient head, where all of 
the historical and religious works of llio 
Moravian Church, can be obtained. 

The publications of the Church in Amcriia 
are "The Moravian," in the English lan- 
guage, and "Per Brucder Botschafter.' in 
the German, the former a weekly, and the 
latter a bi-weekly newspaper; and both now 



BETHLEHEM, P E N N P Y L V A N I A. 



Ill 



ably edited by the Rev'd Herman A. Briek- 
enstein. 

"Der Bruedcr Botschafter," or Brotherly 
Messenger, is intended for the German Mo- 
ravians. It contains exhaustive reports of 
the Missions of the Church, and copious ex- 
fracls from appropriate German publications- 
The first number was issued in the month 
of September, ISGG. 

" The Moravian," in 1856, took the place 
of " The Moravian Church Miscellany," a 
monthly publication of tlie church, which 
was issued from' 1850 to 1S55, inclusive. -At 
first it was an eight page folio, but in 1SC2 
it was enlarged, and then again in 1S64, to 
its present size. Previous to " The Miscel- 
lany," the church printed " The Missionary 
Intelligencer," from the year 1821 to 1850. 

The Provincial Elders' Conference, having 
been authorized by the Provincial Synod, 
are now erecting a building for the use of 
the Publication Office, in Bethlehem. The 
site selected is on Main Street. The build- 
ing will be four-stories htgh ; the book-store, 
counting-house and editor's office being on 
the first floor, and the composing-room, and 
bindery on the fourth. The press-room will 
bo in the basement. The middle floors not 
being at present required for the uses of the 
establishment, will be fitted up as offices. 
The present expenses for rent is quite equal 
to the interest of the money to be thus in- 
vested. And the rent of the offices will pay 
all the necessary outlay required for repairs 
to the building, insurance, taxes, <to. 

The Moravians were the first people wlio 
employed the art of printing for the publica- 
tion of the Biljle in a living tongue. And 
from the Moravian Publication Office at 
Bethlehem, they print and issue all Devo- 
tional boooks of their Church, Sunday- 
Schools and Missions in the United States. 

It has been the custom of the Brethren's 
Church, since the year IfSl, to issue annu- 
ally a little volume called the " Text-BonJc," 
consisting of a selection of verses from the 
Bible for each day, with appropriate collects 
taken from their hymn book. To which has 
been added a reference to the Bible lessons 



for the do}-, as will bo seen by reference to 
the " Text-Book" of isro. The first verse or 
" Daily Word," contains a short sentence of 
prayer, exhortation or promise. Tlie second 
or " Doctrinal text," is intended to enforce 
some doctrinal truth or jiractical duty. This 
custom arose out of another, which was ob- 
served in the first congregation of the Ke- 
newed Churcli, at Ilernhut, of appointing 
for each day some persons, whose duty it was 
to go from house to house and greet the in- 
mates with a text fi'om the Bible, which was 
to serve as a subject for meditation during 
the day, and furnished the topic of discourse 
in the evening meeting of the congregation. 
This arrangement afterwards gave jilace to 
the annual issue of this little manual, wliioh 
is now ^1870) in its 140th year. It is thus 
prepared: "the Elders Conference of the 
Unity," at Ilernhut, select each year many 
hundreds of suitable Texts, from these they 
draw by Xo/, one from ep-ch Testament, fcr 
each day, of the comiug year; to each of 
these Texts is added an appropriate stanza 
from the Moravian Hymn Book. Then the 
Text Book for the coming year is printed and 
furnished at a trifling expense to the Menr- 
bers of the difl'erent Moravian Congregations, 
and Missions throughout the world. There 
appeared in ISOO, in the German, 39,700 copies 
of this work. In English, 4,800 co[)ies. In 
French, 5,000 copies; Negro-English, used 
in Surinam, South America, COO copies. 
Nearly 50,7.'>0 copies were printed. Being 
usually read at the early morning meal, or 
in connection with the private or family 
devotions, the texts afibrd food for reflection, 
and often prove of the most striking appli- 
cation, and encouragement to the pious and 
attentive heart, (see appendix to Text-Book 
of 1SG9.) This ancient and beautiful custom 
is still retained in all true Moravian house- 
holds in Bethlehem. At the breakfast-table 
the selections from the Text- Book, are read 
before eating, and the " Birlh-duy Book" is 
laid beside the plate of the head of the family , 
with the "Text- Book." In this latter book, 
or on the margin of the " Text- Book, is gene- 
rallv entered a record of all the birth-d.Trs 



112 



HISTORICAL SKETCH <• F 



of the nieiiibers of tlie family, anil all of their 
friends, so that, if on the wa.v to business, 
or iluring the dav, the relative or friend is 
met, lie or slio can be congratulated. 

As an cxamjile of the daily devotions, the 
following is cojiied from the " Text-Book" of 
1S70, under da'e of April 7lli, viz: 

"Thursday 7. Num. xi., 21-:ii. 

" ' He shall come down like rain upon the 
mown grass, as showers that water the earth.' 
Ts. 72, vi. 

As IIAIN OVKItSTILKAMlNG THi: I'AUCIIKD 

GKOiNU. — With rLRXTV .nowtekmi.nc, srnEADS 

VEBDUUE AKOOXK. — TnE ritOMISED BLESSING 
ITS INFLUE.XCE DIFFUSES. 739. 1. 

'Take no thought for to-morrow; for the 
morrow shall take thought for the things of 
itself. Suflicient unto the day is tlio evil 
thereof.' — Matt., vi. 34. 

■\VUAT TllOU SHALT TO DAY PROVIUE, 

Let ME AS A CHILD receive. 
What to-mouhow may betide. 
Calmly to thy wisdom leave : 
'tls e.vough that thou wilt care, 
avuv should i the burthen bear? 

—164. 2. 
n.lj. — Departure of the first Missionaries to 

Surinam. 
17".j. — Arrival of Spangenbcrg with tlie first 
Colony of the Brethren, at Savan- 
nah, Georgia." 
From lloudthaler's Life of Heckeweldcr, 
page 141, the following in formation contained 
in a nolo, iscopieil. 

" The volume of Daily Words,' or as it is 
called in the German, the iWilchwirJ o( the 
congregation, is published every year. Its 
contents are two texts for every day in the 
year, one taken from the Old, and the other 
from the New Testament. To each is sub- 
joined a, suitable verse, or part of a verse, 
from the Moravian liymn book. Xothing 
finds a place in such a volume that does not 
tend to real edification. All texts that might 
conduce to useless disputing, or subtile dis- 
tinctions of doctrines, which those often un- 
<lerstand the least who busy themselves most 
about them, are omitted. Inspection will 
show such subjects as the Love of Christ, bis 



Sufierings and Dcaui, iii= guardianship of 
the Christian Church, Love to Christ, Holi- 
ness of life, Surrender of the heart to him. 
Confidence in God, the Happiness of tlie life 
to come, Ac., to form the contents. These 
yearly volumes have done mucli towards 
promoting unity of spirit and simplicity of 
faith in the church. In the earlier times of 
the Kcnewcd Church of the Brethren, these 
* Daily Words' were not ]»rinted,butannounc- 
ed every day in the dill'crent houses iu llern- 
liut. They were to serve as a watchword i:i 
the daily warfare of the soldiers of Christ, 
by which to cheer, as well as exhort one an- 
other. Hence the name ' Loosung,' (Watch- 
word,) by which they are still known in the 
German Congregation. " 

Among the members of the family and their 
friends in Bethlehem, it is the universal cus- 
tom to celebrate all the birth-days, by pres- 
ents and a little homo Love-feast. The an- 
niversary of marriages are also celebrated i:x 
a like manner. These little social courtesies 
render life more happy and attractive to the 
older ones ; and to the little ones these are 
periods of unalloyed happiness. 

Sometimes these social festivals have a 
deeper meaning, taking the form of a " Sur- 
prise Party," with music and singing ; some- 
times presents to a worthy minister, at an- 
other time to celebrate a father, mother or 
friend's fiftieth birth-day, or the Golden 
Wedding of some beloved old friend or con- 
nection. On such occasions, the friends and 
relatives of those to be honored or surprised, 
are all in the secret, a m<?fi/ is prepared and 
floral tributes adorn the well loaded table. 
I remember such an event, a friend's fiftieth 
birth-day hadarrived,and everybody retired 
to bed early, much to his annoyance, so at 
last, ho went grumbling off to rest, as ho 
supposed, and when the light was out in his 
room, busy hands prepared the festive table, 
with suppressed voices and half-choked 
laughter; at midnight, beneath his window, 
the old Bethlehem Band played •' Should old 
acquaintance be forgotten;" and then, until 
morning, music, fun and jollity reigned su- 
premo. 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



11? 



From the "Moravian" of February 2otb, 
1S!)0, is inserted here, from au editorial item, 
a beautiful description of 

*' A GoLDcx Wedding at Litiz, Pa. — Tlio 
f )llowiug account of the golden wedding cele- 
bration of Brotlicr and Sister John Beck, of 
Litiz, was prepared at ourrequest. The friends 
of the pair are so inaDj in all parts of the 
Cliureh, that it ^^-ill be read with much interest 
and hearty sympathy. 

-Dear Jlornriim. — The name of the * Old 
Schoolmaster' of Litiz, is a familiar and beloved 
one in many a family throughout the length 
and breadth of our land, and his occasional 
communications in our church-paper have been 
pursued with interest and delight, so that a 
brief account of the celebration of his Golden 
"Wedding, whicdi took place on Tuesday, Feb. 
2d. in the dear old village of Litiz, may not be 
out of place. 

" The afternoon and evening of the previous 
day brought children, grand-children and 
friends to the old homestead, wliere, for fifty 
years, from the very beginning r)f their married 
life, the now venerable couple h:ive resided. It 
was a delightful reunion, and the usually quiet 
rooms were full of lifu and gladness. After the 
old people had retired for the night, loving 
hands made the preparations for the morrow's 
celebration. Kind Irlcnd.i in town had con- 
tributed fredy of thi-ir floral treasures, and 
these, with wreaths of evergreen and ivy, were 
used in decorating the parlor. There were flit- 
tiags in and out, ni^-.stcrious whisperings, and 
stifled laughter, lost fuspicion might bo awak- 
ened. The table was draped with white and 
the gifts spread out to the best advantage. At 
last all was done, and with bright anticipations 
for the morrow, the company dispersed. The 
quiet of the early d:iwn was broken by the 
sweet strains of the trombones, arousing the 
dear old folks from theii^ slumbers and calling 
d:)wn a benison upon their heads. The choir 
was led by one of tlie sons, and the beloved 
mother's favorite tunes had been selected as tho 
^rst sounds which should greet her ears on this 
happy morning. Then followed the delighted 
surprise as tho parlor was entered ; the happy 
morning meal, tho loving congratulations, com- 



munications in poetry and prose from absent 
friends, and cordial interchanges of thought 
and feeling. There was * holy joy and children's 
glee,' merry laughter, and sometimes to a brim- 
ming eye, as allusions were made to the ' loved 
ones gone before.' The remembi-anco of those 
sainted ones was no check upon our happiness ; 
it only served to hallow the joy and remind us 
that we have a 'better country, even au heav- 
enly,' and that ikia is not our rest. 

" Then followed the grand dinner at the Litiz 
hotel, tho dining-room of which was for the 
time exclusively at tho service of the school- 
master's family. Around one table the older 
portion of the company were gathered, children, 
friends, and all the resident ministers with their 
wives. At the other, the sixteen grand-chil- 
dren did justice to the profusion of good things, 
which bespoke not only tho liberality of our 
venerable friend, but also tho culinary skill of 
the hotel hostress. Before p.irtaking of the 
meal, the pastor, Rev. E. T. Kluge, proposed 
that the company unite in singing, in the old 
Moravian style, a hymn expressive of our good 
wishes for our old friends. Accordingly all 
present with united voices sang, 

*' ' Be their comfort which ne'er faileth, &c.* 
"After the repast tho old schoolmaster was 
called upon for a speech, which he made in his 
happiest style, relating various experiences 
connected with the first opening of his school, 
and giving God the glory for all tho success 
with which ho had met. By request, r^ev. E. 
FrucaufF replied in the German language. lie 
had been one of the old schoolmaster's first 
scholars, and paid an eloquent tribute to his 
former instructor's faithfulness, interspersing 
his remarks with some incidents of tho olden 
time, which caused bursts of merriment. 

" Later in the afternoon the company gather- 
ed again in the homestead, when two little 
grand-children received the rite of holy b.iptism 
from the hands of the pastor, 

"At 7 o'clock, P. M., the congregation had 
been invited to partake of a love-feast in the 
church, a printed psalm for which had been 
prepared. The pulpit and altar were tastefully 
decorated with flowers and evergreens, and a 
delightful feeling of jnyousness and love per- 



114 



n I ;■- T n I c A L 



K r. T C II OF 



viJcil t'.io wliolo nfpei:>l>Iy. Tlio relatives of 
tho oUl sehoolmaster oooupieil I lie front pcw«, 
while ho niul his belovoil wife sat on the same 
F].cit hcfcirc llio minister, where they ha<liilight- 
eil their tnilli fifty years before. We would 
r.iiii fpcak of the beautiful humility visible in 
every feature of /itr faeo, but we know these are 
flowers whieli love best to bloom in the shade, 
a il so wo forbear. Before singing the psalm 
the pastor in a very neat aJilross told the con- 
gregation why they had assembled there : then 
spoke to the aged couple about tho faithfulness 
with whifh their Lord had led them through 
days of prosperity as well as adversity, and 
finally pronouuceil over them the Old Testament 
benedietion. The congregational singing was 
delightful; every voice seemed tuned for the 
oeeaeion. .-V serenade from the Litiz Sextette, 
later in tho evening, closed the happy day, and 
with jicaccful and happy hearts all sought their 
rest that night. It was a never to-be-forgotten 
time. Xot tlie slightest thing occurred to mar 
the festivity, and the true, old Moravian spirit 
of unfeigned love and simplicity seemed to per- 
vade the whole day. The Saviour's presence 
and His approving smile was felt throughout 
tlie day, and those who returned to their Iionics 
next morning, did so with hearts encouraged 
anil refreshed. 

" liod bless the dear old couple. May the 
light of His countenance beam upon them, 
smoothing their declining years, and granting 
them at last an abundant entrance into His 
kingdom." 

The first j^riiiting oiTn'o was established in 
Bethlehem by Henry Jluller, a Moravian, 
in 17C2. Ilis place of business was in Jlar- 
kct Street, in one of the old log houses near 
the old Grave Yard. The first ncwpnper 
printed in the town was issued in 1S45, in 
the German language, called " Die Bicnc," 
and was edited by Dr. A. L. Iluebener, and 
was printed by Julius Held. Commencing 
in the year 1S53, -an English newspaper, 
called " Lehlijh VuUei/ Times," was published 
for five years, conducted by E. H. Rauch. 
After its discontinuance, a weekly paper en- 
titled " Tho Bethlehem Advocate,,' was 
printed for scTcral ycars,odiled by U. Rcudo. 



On tho 27th of January, 18C0, D. J. God- 
shalk commenced tho publication of a weekly 
paper, called t!ie '' Lehifjh WtUnj Chronicli/* 
of wlilch he was both editor and proprietor. 
On the 22d of December, in the same year, it 
was discontinued. And on the 4tli of Feb- 
ruary, 1SG7, he first printed and issued " JV.c 
Bethlehem Dailij Times" which has been tlircc 
several times since then enlarged. And it 
has been so successful a ]iublication, that its 
editor began on the 20tU of June, ISCS, tho 
publication of a weekly issue, under the name 
of the " Weeklif Times ami KdncaturJ' Under 
tho latter head embracing articles in favor 
of, and support our liberal principles of pub- 
lic school education established in this State; 
and of interest to those engaged in teaching. 
Which paper receives, as it very justly do- 
serves, a largo and increasing support. Mr. 
Godshalk, in connection with the issue of 
his papers, has a large printing ofEcc for the 
miscellaneous purposes of his business. 

The peculiar dialect spoken in many parts 
of this state by those of German and Dutch 
descent, is called ** I'ennsylvnnia Dutch ," more 
properly it should be called, jicrlLaps,' Penn- 
sylvania German," in some parts. A late 
writer says that it " is a South German patois, 
a cross between the soft AUemanium or Swa- 
bian, and the hard glib low German more or 
less intermingled with Germanized English 
words; in some localities in the State there is 
little intermi-\tureof English in the dialect." 
This may all be very true, but the name of 
" Pennsylvania Dutch" originated from the 
patois spoken by the old residents of Ileading 
and its vicinity, and originating there. Dur- 
ing the Revolutionary War of 1770, the Am- 
erican forces captured a brigade of British 
troops, at Hed-Ilaitl-, below Philadelphia, in 
Xcw Jersey, commanded by Count Dunojt 
i. e, Done-up, and. so pronounced, wliicli 
brigade contained three regiments of Hes- 
sians, these were sent to Beading, then a 
depot for prisoners, and remained there ever 
after; the English government refusing to 
pay the expense of their transportation to 
their homes. So they settled, married, lived 
and died there. And their descendants 



BETnLEIIEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



115 



minglinj with the Americans, and being 
without education, naturally acquired the 
patois, which has extended over the State, 
and although now intermixed with German, 
is called '' Pennsylvania Dutch," a specimen 
of which is contaiuoJ in the following copy 
< f an advertisement, of an old acquaintance. 
Tlie lirst line means '* Just look here once !" 
A favorite expression in and about Bethle- 
hc;u. 

GUOK YUSIIT AMOHL DOIII 

Monsleit un WeibsleitI I 

EUWA UN UJED YUNGY UN OLTY. 

ATTENTION' II 

DER EAGLE DRUG SUTORE I 

Der Besht under Wholfealshtl 

WH. S. SIEGER, OBBADEAKEU. 

In der Dritt Ehtrosc, Sued Bethlehem. 

Olsfortnf liond, oily sorta fun de beshty 

Drugs uu Meditziena, uu on de wholfealshty 

prices. Also, Paint, Oehl, Glaws, Varnish, 

ic. Mer hen aw an neier article dos gor net 

gebutta konn wa.'rraj es is de bareemt 

"SALTED SODA" 

uu wserd g'used for seaf kocha. Prowlers 

amohl — de directions we mors braucht 

geana mit. Ora Eagle Drug Shtore 

is aw der plotz for 

PATENT MLDITZIEXA, BITTERS, ic., 
Ac, ic.. 

Fun oily ort, n:i on <le wholfealshty jiriccs. 

Also, Coal-Ocbl, Lompa, Waugha- 

shnioer. See, &c. 

Kow mind was luor sawya ; mor lien olles 

nf bond was mer deiika konn in unser line 

of bisness. Wo g'sawt, unser prices sin 

wholfealer dos in ennichem onnera Drug 

Shtore im County. Ferges't net der platz, 

IN' DER DRITT PIITROSE UNXICII DER LOCUST 
SUED LETULEUEM. 

Now is de tseit; macht eich bei, un judg'd 
for eich selwcr; kummt in foor weasa, uf 
horseback, uf em Railroed odder tsu foos — 
mer sin gor net particular wie, yusht so dos 
der kommt on 
DSR EAGLE OEDADEAK IN" SUED BETIILEEEM. 

Un bringt eicr greenbacks mit. Wholfeal 
for Cash — sell is unser style. 

■WILLIA3r S. .SIEGER, 

Obbadeaker. 

Autrust 2S, Isr.O. 



The following piece of poetry, in " Penn. 
sylvania German," by L. A. Wolleuweber, of 
Philadelphia, is copied from the H'eei/y 
Progress," of South Bethlehem, under date of 
June 23rd, 1S70, and will be found in one 
of the interesting and very amusing letters of 
"Danny Kratzer" (Edward Ebermann,) 
'• Aim fun Jiihniiy scina Jooi'ri," which are a 
marked feature in the weekly issue of that 
paper. 

" ■ I bin au cti Pennyjlv.inicr . 

D'ruffbia icli Stolz und froh. 

Dass Land is sbaj', die Leut sin nctt 

Bei Tscbinksl ich machscbier en'go wott, 

'S biets kay Land der Welt.' 

Wir Stamme viin die Deutscbp her, 

Druff bin ich a recbt stolz. 

Die Deutsche sin arg brave Leut 

Sin Sparsam, fleissig und gesheit, 

Sic biet ke Folk der Welt. 

Do guk nnr als de Karta au, 

"Wie Pennsylvany haist, 

Wacbst do net alles sh.ay un pnth, 

Un butt net yeder g'sundes Elut t 

' S biets kay Land der Welt. 

Un net allainich uff der Erd 

Wachst alles shay u'jd gnth, 

Au drunue gebbts so fiel ihr wollt, 

Kohle, Eisc — may werth wie gold, 

' S biets kay Land der Welt.' " 
There is a very interesting article in tho 
Allantio 3Ionthhj of October, 1.S0S, entitled 
" Pennsylvania Dutch," page4Tn, i-c, which 
is worthy of perusal. 

The ancient and beautiful Christian prac- 
tice of holding Lm-c-fcusts as a religious 
ceremonial, has been continued in the Breth- 
ren's Church from tlio earliest days of Mo- 
ravianism. Lorc-fcii«l's, and the Kiss nf Peace, 
were originally connected with the Holy 
Communion. .Saint Clirysostom says, " Upon 
certain days, after ]>artak:ng of the Lord's 
Supper, they met at a common table, the 
rich bringing jirovisions, and the poor who 
had nothing, being invited." The same 
spirit that actuated the early Christians, 
still animates the Brethren of tho Moravian 
Church. All the members of the congrega- 
tion are invited to the Love-feasts, of the 
different choirs or classes, and the expenses 
are defrayed by a general collection taken 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



in after tlie service, to which all contribute 
who are able, that feel inclined. Formerly, 
after a Love-feast, a collector called at each 
house, asked how many had been to service, 
a:id collected tho amount due, so much bc- 
i:i^ charged for each. Now, the collection 
is made at the door, where the ''church 
servants" arc stationed, with small baskets 
in which sucli as choose, droj) their ofFcrings. 
Whatever balance remains un])aid tho con- 
gregation fund is taxed to make it up. 

In the case of the " Single Brethren" and 
'• Single Sisters'" Love-feasts, at their festi- 
vals, they invite whom they choose, and pay 
their own expenses, so much for general ex- 
penses, and £0 much for each invited guest. 
The staled times for holding these Love- 
feasts, arc upon festive occasions, which occur 
annually J the difiercnt choirs celebrating 
their own festivals, and inviling the rest of 
the congregation. These Festivals, Prayer- 
days or Love-feasts, arc held in commemo- 
ration of revivals, o:- some other interesting 
events in the early history of tlie Brcthrens" 
Church. Tho refreshments furnished on 
these joyous occasions, consists of Moravian 
sugar bunns, and cofToo only. 

The appointed days for the annual Love- 
feasts of each of llio different choirs of tho 
Moravian Church, are as follows : 

April 30tli, for tho 'Wiilijws. 

May ■"'>> fur till' Single Sisters. 

June 4tli, fur the Older Girls. 

July 0th, for tlio Older Hoys. 

August ITth, fur the ChiWren. 

August 29th, for tho Single Rrcthreu. 

August 31st. for tho Widowers. 

Si'pteniher Ttli, for tho Marrii'd Pi'ojdo ', P.ironts.) 

T!ie widows and widowers are generally 
arsociatcd with the choir of the married peo- 
ple and parents. 

These festivals are always celebrated on 
S'.ind.Ty, and in the church. The services 
( jmmcncing at 2 o'clock V. 51., and lasting 
about half an hour. If the anniversary does 
rot fall on a Sunday, the succeeding Sabbath 
is the day on which the festival is held. 

On the days of tho celebration of the mar- 
ried people's festivals, that choir hold a pri- 



vate meeting, at 9 o'clock, A. SI., in tho 
church, at which there is generally an ad- 
dress by the minister, suitable to the occas- 
ion, and to the conditi(;n of those present; 
concluding with prayer and singing. 

In the I^jii'acoptil irK/c/imfjii. volume I, jiage 
113, of tlie year IS27, is published a sketch 
entitled, 

"A MOliAVIAX I.OVr, FKAST.'" 

" The following is an .iccountofone of those 
feasts at Bethlehem, Pa., at 7 o'clock on Sun- 
day morning, five musicians announced tho 
day of the foast from the church steeple, by 
aso'emnairon the trumpets and trombones," 
thrccairs are alwaj'S played. " The ordinary 
Sabbath exercises were performed in the 
morning, and at 2 o'clock a large assem- 
blage was collected for the festival. The 
church is large, containing several apart- 
ments besides the room for worship, having 
a lofty ceiling, and large windows hung with 
wliitc curtains. One half of tho church was 
occupied by tho female ])art of the congrega- 
tion, including more than 1 20 scholars of the 
boarding school; in white dresses and c.ips, 
trimmed uniform, the eUtcn,' and tcidoict. 

" The other division of tho church was oc- 
cujiied by the males, among whom were a 
number of school boys, arranged according 
to size. So largo a collection, orderly scateil 
on benches, and preserving an entire still- 
ness, had an imposing appearance. 

" During the performance of the choir, in 
which the organ was accompanied by violins 
and trumpets ; si.x women and four men en- 
tered the church, each couple bearing a bas- 
ket of soft cakes, which thoy distributed to 
the whole congregation, commencing with 
the clergymen, when these were served, the 
same persons brought in coffee in white 
mugs, on wooden trays ; which were distri- 
buted in the same manner, and of which all 
present partook; during the continuance of 
the services, which consisted entirely of sing- 
ing by tho choir, the officiating clergyman, 
tho females, the children and the congrega- 
tion, alternately in chorus, excepting two 
hymns, tho words were German, as was all 
the m-jsic. 



BLTULEHEM, PEiiN3/LVANIA. 



117 



"Singular as tho description of such a 
ceremony appears, it was conducted witli so 
much solemnity and propriety, that no other 
appropriate feeling could be excited. Typi- 
cal of that fellowship which is the bond of 
the Moravians, and from which they derive 
their appellation of Unitaa Fratrum. This 
occasional festival is an opposite emblem of 
the social love which has rocei ved the beauti- 
ful ecomium of David, ' Behold how good 
and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell to- 
gether in unity ; it is like the precious oint- 



ment upon Aaron's beard, which flowed to 
the skirts of his garments: like the dew of 
Ilormou, and like the dew which descended 
upon the mountains of Zion; for them the 
Lord commanded the blessing, even life fer- 
evermore.'" 

For a more projier understanding of the 
exercises and manner of conducting a Love- 
feast, a copy of the Fest Psalm sung at the 
Single Sisters' Festival in the Moravian 
Church at Bethlehem Pa., in the year A. D., 
1S70, is here inserted. 



ODE 

FOR THE 



lutitiol of i\\t %mh |iat^r^, 



IN BETHLEHEM. 



O (5f)cr beg Cci^"^"' crmuntrc 1)\i] 
3it ivo()cn i^obgcfdngcn ! 

®ofte. 

ipvcif beinen §cilanb inntgliJ} 
9Jcit i&iicn irreubcntlaugcu, 
'J'a tir bid) nbevmal tin (^cft 
Oil Scincm Jviebcii fcicvn lafet. 



9Jtcl. 00. 



Sisters. 

Head of Thy congregation, 

Kind Shepherd, gracious Lord ! 
Look oil us with compassion, 

Mot licre with one accord : 
Accept our thanks and praises 

For ull Thy love and care, 
Which we in various cases 

Repeatedly did share. 



T. 1.51 G. 



118 II I S T U I C A L P K i: T (' II T 

G h r. 



Aiciicii uiib ix'd'.yii) miifft'U f.-iii in Dir, bic nat^ Dir fiancii, iiiib 
bie^Tciii A^eil licbcn, miij'leii imiiici \a(\m : §otf)i]clolit jci O^ott : O 
lucv iiur imntcr bci la;) uiib Juid)t Tciii ;it c)ciiicf!cn vct()t luai' bc= 
bnc()t, bcv f)att' o()ue linbc oon OHiirf ^u fagcii, iiub I'cib unb 2ccle 
miijjt' iiiimer fiMgcii: '-iJjcr ift >uic Xn? 

Sisters. T. 50. 

Nought but blessings :1|: lie for us intends, 

And llis nierey :lj: never, never ends; 

lii't us look unto the cross, 

Where lie died to ransom us. 

On that ofloring :1|: laith alone dejicnds. 

Gucsls. T. IC. 

Happy is the virgin's station 

Wliom ho kindly owns as his, 
And who counts his great salvation 

As her highest good and bliss. 

Happy who thus find in Jesus 

All their wishes satisfied ; 
Ah, to them how dear and precious 

Is that friend who for us died. 

C/ioir. 

Iloly, holy, holy is (he T-<ii-d God of Sabaoth. Full aro 
the heavens oi'Thy glory. Praise the J^ord, O my soul, and 
all that is within me jiraiso His Holy name, Hallelujali! 
Praise the liord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; 
praise tlie Lord, and bless His holy name ! Ilosanna in the 
highest I 

©afte. ■• SDu-i- 111- 

gricbc t^au' Don Cbcn . 

Gdiiik* lil)oi-, auf Xid)! 
Vicbcii, baufcii, lol'cii, 

£tiU unb innnf'-'^"''f') 

yCciu »ov v^d)ni cv)d)cincn, 
Untcr 2ciucni iiut;, 

(2iinbcrid)aaiurot() luciucu — 
Sci Xcin ,}cf'3C""i; ! 

Sisters. 1\ ifiS. 

I'lilo Thee, most faithful Saviour, 

We ourselves anew commend; 
O look down on us with favor, 

To our prayers and wauts attend; 



B E T n L E II E M, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 119 



Crant us all a tender feeling, 
Of thy love and gracious dealing, 
That our hearts may truly be 
Fill'd with fervent love to Thee. 



md. 22. 

?tc^ jicf)' in itnfve .^crjcn ciii. 
Hub (a^ fie Seine aUo^nung fcin ; 
9iinim <ce:\. unb ?cib jit Tcincn (55nab'n, 
23clDal)rc fie bov atlcm Sdjab'u! 

G f) r. 

(S.S ift cin tijftlid) Ding, ba^ ba« .'p"'] f^'f* Uicrbc, iDcfdjcS gcfc()tct)t 
buicf) @uabc. 

S/slers. T. .585. 

, Though unseen vro love the S.aviour, 
lie almighty grace hath shown, 
Pardoned guilt, and purchased favor; 
llence, through mercy, we're His own. 
Give Ilim glory :||: 
(Irace and glory ai'e His own ! 

aWel. 110. 

?^iil)r' iinS bnvcf), :||: 

3-i:{)i-' um% .'plivr! bmdj'S T(jv(inmtf)al, ^ 

Seiner Jpenlidjfeit eiitgcgcu, 
3n ben fdjducn fyvcubcnfaal! 

§ilf bci unfcvm Unocrmiigcn, 
@il) jnm Ircn=fcin Sraft, jam ilBarfjcn Siiitt), 

3)ann gcf)t\^ gut. :\\: 

All. T. 21G. 

TJlessing and power and majesty 
Through endless ages bo to Thee, 
"Who us by blood hast bought. 
In mercy sought, 
And to Thy fold us brought. 

Amen, Hallelujah ! 

Hallelujah! 
Amen, Hallelujah ! 

1870. 



12) 



II I S T 11 I C A L S K i: T C II F 



One of tho most intercstins of tlicso oc- 
casions, is -nhcn, during tho evening of tho 
ilay of tho celebration of tlie cbiUlrcn's festi- 
val, tlioy ure all assembled in the open air in ' 
(rout of tho church at Bethlehem, and sing, 
to the aeeompaniment of tho trombone dioir, 
their Fest Psalm. Nothing can bo more in- 
teresting, nor more pleasing; tho sweet 
sounds of tho voices of tho little ones, tho 
solemn tones of tho trombones, breaking 
upon the air of a still quiet evening; the 
scene lit up by the torches of the choir, the 
streets and side walks crowded by the peo- 
ple, friends, parents and relatives of tho 
children, who join in tho singing, as tho 
minister gives out the hymns lino by line. 
Formerly tho front of tho church was on 
these occasions hung and lit up with colored 
lamps, much increasing the beauty and in- 
terest of tho scene. 

On the last occasion at which the lanterns 
were used at the celebration (outside) of tlio 
children's festival, a stran^r at Bethlehem, 
no doubt pleased with tho scene, wrote a 
sketch of it, entitling his efTusion, "The 
Feast of tlio Lanterns." Tho Moravian 
minister in chargo of tho Bethlehem con- 
gregation at tho time, became thereupon 
dreadfully alarmed for fear tho world would 
think that the Brethren worshiped tho lan- 
tcniB, so they were abolished; and iheir use 
has never been resumed since. 

The lanterns used at tho illumination, 
were made of tissue paper, red, white, blue 
and yellow, pasted over a wire frame, and a 
lighted candle placed in each, and these 
suspended from a long wire drawn from 
Ireo to tree in front of the church ; tho eiTect 
was very fine, a mellow light was cast upon 
(he crowd of eiicctators, npon I ho neighbor- 
ing houses, the street, and open square, and 
gl i m mered among the trees, wh ilo the chorus 
of childish voices, and the peculiar tones of 
the trombones filled the air, sounds, which 
once heard, are never forgotten, but linger 
still on the ear — in memory. From tho 
Moravinn of August 25th, 1870, I insert a 
description of tho children's festival at 
Nazareth, Pennsylvania. 



'•'A Liturgical SEnv.cn is the Moravian 
Cemetery at Kazareth.— On Sunday even- 
ing, 21st inst., a novel and beautiful eight 
was prcEonted to the spectator, standing out- 
side of tho Boulhcrn gate way of the Mora- 
vian Cemetery. I do not allude to the ex- 
tensive view of tho lovely landscape from 
tho top of this hill, but to another and most 
lovely spectacle, which was exhibited this 
evening on looking down in tho direction of 
tho Moravian Church. In froutof the church 
a large number of children, and tho pupils 
of the Sunday school, accompanied by their 
teachers acd many members of the congre- 
gation had assembled, who formed into a 
procession, which ascended tho hill to tho 
cemetery, tho children going before, and 
singing several sweet songs of Zion. This 
day hail been set apart for the celebration of 
the "children's festival." All their special 
services, including a Lovcrfeast, had been 
held in the church. But the evening service 
was appointed to take place in the cemetery, 
as had been donft last year. Punctually at 
6 P. M., tho jirocession started from the 
church, after singing a hymn of praise. 
Upon entering into tho cemetery, the choir 
played a soul-stirring choral. The small 
army of children having taken their position 
in the avenue of evergreens, flanked on both, 
sides by tho brethren and sisters of the con- 
gregation, the service of God was opened by 
the singing of the verse : O'ott iatgegcnwaertitj," 
(God reveals his presence,) and, truly, the 
congregation sang with unction and deeply 
feeling the presence of the Lord on this sol- 
emn occasion, and standing around tho 
graves of our sainted dead. A very appropri- 
ate air was then sung by the choir, accom- 
panied by instrumental music, whereupon 
the pastor invoked tho throne of grace and 
made a brief address. Tho congrega^on 
were then rcfinestnl, by singing several 
verses, to com ni rid our dear children to 
their great and b st Friend and Saviour. 
This impressive lilurgiciil service was closed 
by tho chanting of the iJ. uediction oa tho 
part of the whole congregation. AVhen re- 
turning from this sacred spot, our children 



B K T n L E n E M, P E X N 3 Y L V A N I A. 



121 



sang with cheerful voi<>es andha]);!^ hearts ; 
' Lord, dismiss us with blessing/ ic., and 
' fiing Hallelujah, praise the Lord,' &c." 

It is customary. on the Sunday immmedi- 
ately before Chrislman of each year, to have 
a Love-feast for all persons engaged in any 
cajiacity in serving the Church. This festi- 
val is however, somewhat different in its 
cliaractcr from the festivals of the different 
choirs or classes of the church members; as 
a jjortion of the time is passed in social con- 
versation, touching matters pertaining to 
their several duties, the changes to be made, 
and a general discussion of church affairs 
within their sphere, and improvements to bo 
made therein. This malies the occasion one 
of the most interesting kind to all those who 
take any interest in the welfareof the Churcli. 
It must be distinctly understood, however, 
that the Moravian Brethren who do occas- 
ional duty in the Church, like that to be 
presently mentioned, do not ask, or receive 
any pay for their services, any more than 
the knowledge, and the hope, that they are 
performing an acceptable service to their 
Brethren and. their God. 

It was at the close of such a Love-feast 
immediately before Christmas, in December, 
1SC8, that the following changes were made 
in the "church servants." Brothers Ruben 
0. Luckenback, Christian Belling, Herman 
Yost, and Edmund Peisert, having served 
from twelve to eighteen years in the Church, 
asked to be relieved from their positions of 
"Saal Diener's." So Brothers Cornelius W. 
Krause, Orlanda B. Desh, Ashton C. Eor- 
hock, and Sidney S. Schueller, were nameil 
to take their places. Those gentlemen per- 
form the duties of ushers, that are in other 
churches filled by paid and obsequious sex- 
tons, in list slippers; may they long live to 
fill their positions acceptably,and to do hum- 
bly their duty in their Master's house. 

There are eight " Saal Dieners" or chapel 
servants in the Moravian Church at Bethle- 
hem ; four of the number did not ask to be 
retired from duty, namely, Brothers John C. 
Weber, William Leibert, Benjamin F. Schnel- 
Icr, and Isaac Walp. These gentlemen choose 



their new associates in their self-impos. d. 
ai.d meritorious labors; and the newly a-i- 
pointed Brethren entered into the duties of 
their ofSce in January, 18C9. 

Among the Moravians of Bethlehem, there 
is still retained many of the ancient custonu 
and usages of the Church, and of the people 
fiom whom they are descended. Many of 
these customs are simple, child-like and 
charming, making life more sweet and 
pleasant, and reminding us every day, whilst 
we are among them, that men and women 
are but children of a larger growth. It ii 
this charming simplicity of character that 
renders life in Bethlehem so pleasing. With 
Americans, life is real, life is earnest; and we 
are too apt to forget in the social circle at 
home, those little tender, loving kindnesses, 
and gentle attentions, tliat are so dear and 
so acceptable to those we love. 

Numbered among the many surprises that 
add to the enjoyment of the Christmas holi- 
days at Bethlehem, there is one that carries 
with it pleasure both to the young and old ; 
for be it known, that the Moravians observe 
the Christmas holidays with peculiar zest, 
and great are the preparations for the enjoy- 
ment thereof. In our principal Moravian 
settlements, the Christmas festival lasts a 
week, or rather eight days, from C'liristmas 
day to New Year's day, included. It is a 
5easouoffree,joyous, social intercourse, such 
as no other denomination of Christian jioo- 
ple attempts. And one of the great essential 
features of every well regulated Moravian 
household, is the Clirislmae Piilz. 

All Christendom has adopted the Christmaa- 
Ticc, but the Moravians have brought with 
them from the Fatherland, a charming im- 
provement, denominated "aPutz," which ini 
the German means an embellishment, or an 
ornament, but in Bethlehem parlance, a. 
large Christmas decoration. It is generally 
a miniature representation of some loved or 
beautiful scene in nature, an entire indoor 
landscape. Some of these mimic scenes 
are of the most pleasing character, dis- 
playing great artistic taste and talent. A 
varied scenery of mountain and val'ev, a. 



122 



HTPTORICAI, PKnTCII OP 



tumbling; water-lull, near which is oflou ii 
mill, with its groat wheel in rapid motion, 
Eoiuetimes a quiet lake, with living fish, a 
iKstant village, with its ancient church, 
whoso tuU Bpiru is rellocted in a peaceful 
fctreani flowing near, al forming a quiet 
EHiniuer scene ; oft again, ono with tlie 
tuow clad mantle of winter; then again a 
night scene in the dear ohl I'utlierlaiul, 
lighted tip by a mimic moon. These are 
represented with a faith fulness of detail, and 
a genuine skill oC nrraugemont, that excites 
our admiration, as much, if not mere than 
a beautiful picture, giving frequently a jdea- 
Eurc that can be exceeded only by some 
charming scene in nature. 

Behind tlic bar of t!io Eaglo tavern, at 
Bethlehem, in the common r<»om, there has 
been a large aperture made in the wall of the 
house, ten feet long, by four feet high, open- 
ing into a room built outside of the house, 
about ten feot square, covered over with a 
glass roof, aa in hot-houses. In this room, 
■William W. Yohe, son of mino ancient 
host, Caleb, erects each fall a Puiz ; some 
miniature winter scene. In the spring he 
rei>lacos this by a suirimcr view, sometimes 
imaginary, oft times real. On one occasion 
ho made a view of a town in Western Vir- 
ginia, the scene of one of the earliest battles 
of the late Eebellion, which a Union refugee 
at once recognized as the home he had just 
fled from. Mr. Yohe is quite celebrated in 
Bethlehem as a Puts builder, of much good 
taste. 

lu the Moravian of Christmas week, 1807, 
a writer thus refers to •' an old time I'ltl:." 

" How far back they dale we arc not pre- 
yarcd to say. They were in the full tide of 
their glory when wo Avero a boy, twenty-five 
years ago,when we were sufficiently advanc- 
ed to lend a helping hand, and then the great 
Piiiz-makcTS were men well advanced in 
years, so that it is fair to presume that Puis 
making is amongst the ancient institutions 
of this venerable town. The tasia and in- 
genuity displayed in these decorations was 
often very considerable. We use the word 
' decoration' for the want of a better, though 



i I docs not convey a, correct idea of the /'ii.t, 
which is not a festooning of tho rooms wi;h 
garlands and wreaths, but a miniature rcprr- 
Ecntatiou of some scene in nature, imaginary 
or real. As wo have said, the art displayed 
in these mimic scenes was frequently very 
creditable. Mountains and valleys, tumbling 
waterfalls and peaceful fields, lakes .M.d 
villages, in the bright green of summer, ( r 
tho delicate snow covering of winter, were 
represented with a faithful minuteness oC 
detail, and in really artistic groupings. 
Many evenings, until late in the night, were 
devoted to the making of them. AVho will 
say that it was labor thrown away?— Xow- 
a-days wo fear, you could scarcely gather 
together a dozen men who would be willing 
to devote themselves to the preparation of 
one of these grand Piit:cs of the olden time, 
just because they loved to do this sortof thinir, 
and tho time is now to them so precious a 
thing for business, that they cannot spare it 
for tho purpose of pure and innocent amuse- 
ment. Are we any the happier or better now? 
are boys any more frank and innocent, or 
the girls any more loveablo and modest than 
they were then? When, even on a Christmas 
Eve, the great /'ii(i-sceing evening, they 
came home at nine o'clock, and were thank- 
ful for tho privilege of being allowed to go, 
and to be an hour later than usual. 

" Besides these Piitzin which were made on 
a grand scale, there were smaller ones in 
abundance; the humblest liome having its 
little table, covered with a white cloth, and 
backed by branches of evergreens, from 
which were suspendeil glittering stars, wax 
angels, bright colored candies, &c., in pretty 
confusion, illuminated by many burning 
candles. Who, that ever saw or played at 
Iherh, will forget those bright Christmas 
scenes? The cave from which issued the 
monster bear or lion, the looking-glass lake, 
on which ducks and geese of various sizes 
sat in motionless propriety, the silver-sanded 
road, on which was ranged the contents of 
a Noah's Ark, with the patriarch and his 
family walking first, and the animals fol- 
lowing two by two in solemn procession j 
the little village with its church and rows of 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



125 



stiff poplar trees; the pleasant minglings of 
bird and beast and fish, all in perfect peace 
with one another, as became them at Christ- 
mas time; the stable where the 'blessed 
child' was born; the mill hoisting up its 
bags and letting them down again, as long 
as the hidden machinery remained in work- 
ing order, whilst the miller smoked his pijje, 
and his dog kept up a very energetic, if 
somewhat methodical jumping at his feet; 
all these, and a thousand other recollections^ 
rise before the memory, and force us to the 
conclusion that Putzes are a great institution, 
and ought not to be allowed to die out. And 
there arc other memories associated with 
them, some of which are of too sentimental 
a character to be mentioned. The expedi- 
tions in search of moss, the pleasant prepara- 
tion for the great Putz, the mysterious dark- 
ened and carefully locked up room, the anx- 
ious suspense, the joyous surprise, the happy 
hearts and smiling faces, the sweet inter- 
change of precious presents between the 
juveniles, not of the same family or sex, the 
fortunate and often repeated meetings whilst 
going the rounds of visiting the many Putzes, 
which it was necessary to see. "We wonder 
whether the young ones enjoy Christmas as 
thoroughly and innocently as they used to 
do when Bethlehem was only a little village, 
and the outer. world was quite shut out." 

The lament of our friend is uncalled for, 
there has been a revival in Putzee since he 
wrote, and the young still enjoy them, es- 
pecially the lovers, as much as they did in 
the good old times of which he writes. 
And if my readers want to have some happy 
hours, just let them go and pass the Christ- 
mas holidays at Bethlehem once. 

There is one institution in Bethlehem 
which is deserving of more than a mere 
passing notice. That is the ''Young Men's 
Misssionary Society." The first stated meet- 
ing of the society was held September 7, 
1840, in the old Moravian school-house, and 
the following officers elected. President, 
David Zeisberger Smith, the founder and 
originator of the society. Vice President, 
Henry J. Van Vleck. Recording Secretary, 



Augustus Wolle. Treasurer, William War- 
ner. Directors, A. A. Eeinke, E. II. Keichel 
and Albert Butner. Soon afterwards, Dr. 
Maurice C. Jones was made Corresponding 
Secretary, 

The following is the list of the original 
signers to the first constitution. 
D.ivkl Z. Sniilh, L. 0. Tombler, 

George W. Terkin, Christiiin II. Belling, 

"William II. "W.-irncr, Francis D. ScUnellcr, 

Amcideiia A. Reinbe, Wm. F. Ranch, 

Albert Butner, Owen J. Rice, 

Andrew G. Kern, Mortimer Warner, 

) Edward II. Reichel, Wm. L. Brown, 

Ilenry J. Van Vleck, Maurice C. Jones, 

George A. Weiss, Wra. S. 'Wcinland, 

Augustus Wolle, Simuel P. Geehr, 

Simon Rau, Levin J. Krause, 

Joseph II. Knmnier, Beiy. F. Schneller, 

J. Edward Luclienl>acli, Charles Schneller, 

Reuben 0. Luckenbach, Reuben Clowell, 

Francis W. Knauss, Alfred Ricksecker, 

Edward C. Peisert. 
Meetings are held every month ; and the 
reading of mission reports was made the cus- 
tom for several years, but has of late years 
been abandoned. On the 24th of Januarj-, 
1S41, the first annual meeting of the society 
was held, and an address delivered by Ed- 
ward H. Reichel. Annual meetings have 
been held ever since that time, and the so- 
ciety still continues in successful operation. 
In 1841, the project of forming a Museum 
as a source of income to the society, was first 
Ijroposed, and at once adopted. In 1S43, a 
liberal gift of books from Miss Mary Allen, 
formed the nucleus of the library. The as- 
sociation continued to hold their meetings 
in the old town school building till 1S58, 
when, through the kindness of the Moravian 
school-board, a large, convenient room in 
the new school house was assigned to the 
society, and suitably furnished as a reading 
room, library and museum, and the first 
meeting held therein on the 17th of April of 
that year. 

The constitution of the society, which had 
been remodelled in 1842, with the motto, 
" And above all things put on charity, which 
is the bond of perfection."- — Colossians, iif, 
14 ; was altered, and an entire new constilu- 



124 



n I P T R I C A I, S K K T C n OF 



tion ailoptcil ; the objects of the society being 
stated to bo " The furtherance of the Foreign 
Jlissions of the United Brethren among the 
lloathon, and the Keligious, Literary and 
Social Improvement of Young Men." 

In the winter of 1S58-59, the practice of 
liaving a course of lectures given by popular 
speakers before (he society and its friends 
•was first inaugurated. These lectures were 
delivered before numerous audiences in the 
Citizen's Hall, and the number of members 
increased to one hundred. 

In 1SG2, the society removed to the build- 
ing now occupied by Dr. Jaeobson, for his 
ollice, in Market Street. And afterwards to 
Broad Street near Main, and finally in 1808, 
to the building in Main Street near the Mo- 
ravian Church, erected by the society in 
conjunction with the Young Men's Christian 
Association of Bcjthlehem." This building 
is three stories in heiglit, the first floor being 
occupied by the publication ofEce of the 
Jloravian Church. In the rear of the store 
is the Museum of the Missionary Society, 
very tastefully arranged, consisting of many 
curiosities from different ])art3 of the world, 
the presents of the Moravian missionaries, 
and numerous ancient relics of the first set- 
tlement of the town, added to which is the 
Cue large picture of Zeisberger preaching to 
the, Indians, jiainted by Schussele. 

In a note to page 2.'52, in the History of 
Lehigh Valley, there is a pleasant descrip- 
tion of the contents of the Museum, in which 
it is said, "Several of these curiosities de- 
serve special mention. The old 'Sundial,' 
the 'old Cannon,' and the 'old Spinnet or 
Piano.''' To tiiis list might bo added the 
"old Cradle" and the " old Chairs," like 
tlioso used an hundred years ago in the town, 
and still in use in Germany, and sometimes 
seen in German paintings. The collection 
contains many rare and curious things. The 
second story is occupied for the purposes of 
tlie Library, which is free to all who desire 
to avail themselves of its privileges, e3cce]>t 
the taking out of books for reading at their 
liouses; that right is confined to members of 
the two societies. The Librarv is under the 



direction of the Christian Association, by an 
arrangement made between the two corpora- 
tions. The third story is fitted up for, and 
nsed as a lecture room, in which the societies 
hold their meetings. 

The thirtieth anniversary meeting of the 
Young Men's Missionary Society of tho 
Bethlehem congregation, was held on Sun- 
day evening, January 30, 1S70. The Mora- 
vian report states that : 

" The annual report was read by the retir- 
ing ijrcsident. Brother A. J. Ilarwi. The total 
membership of the Society is 31 J. Monthly 
meetings are held, the interest of which dur- 
ing the past year was considerably increased 
by short addresses by different brethren ou 
the history or present condition of the mis- 
sions of our church. The direct donations 
of the society were made to the congregation 
at Estridge, St. Kitts, and the Missionary 
Home, Kleiuwelke, Saxony. The officers of 
the Society for the ensuing year are. Presi- 
dent, Eugene Weber ; Vice President, Edwin 
Bishop; Secretary, Aug. Leibert; Treasurer, 
Aug. Bishop. The anniversary address was 
delivered by Bro. Wm. Vogler, of the Theo- 
logical Seminary. May his earnest words 
find a response in the hearts of all tho mem- 
bers of the Society." 

The ceremonies attending the laying tho 
corner-stone of the building of tho Mission- 
ary Society and Christian Association, were 
performed on August 2Cth, 1SG7, and it was 
finished and occupied during the next year. 
The exercises were began by singing a hymn, 
followed by a prayer by tho Kev. A. A. 
lleinike, a lesson from tho Scriptures were 
read by tho liev. Mr. Kcmble, and an ad- 
dress delivered by Henry J. Seamen, i)resi- 
dent of the Christian Association; after 
which, another hymn was sung. A list of 
the contents of box deposited in the corner- 
stone, was read, then followed a hymn, sung 
by tho congregation, wl wcro dismissed 
with a benediction by the P ght Rev. Bishop 
Jaeobson. 

The following members of the Missionary 
Society were killed, or died iu the service of 
their country during the late rebellion. 



B i: T II L E II i: .^I, PENNSYLVANIA. 



12.; 



Samuel Bcax, of Quakertown, private in 

company C, 129th regiment Penn. Vols., 

killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, 

Dec. 13, 1SG3. 
Joseph L. Clettell, of Schoneck, company 

F, 132nd regiment Penna. Vols., killed at 

Antietam, September 17, 1S62. 
Ed^tn PFLUEGnn, of Seidersville, private in 

2ud regiment Penna. Heavy Artillery, 
. Col. Augustus A. Gibson, commanding. 

Wounded at Petersburg, May, 18G4; died 

of his wounds. 
Clarence Kampman, clerk to Admiral Lee, 

U. S. Navy ; died Juno 4, 1SG9, on board 

U. S. Hospital Ship " Eed Rover." 
John C. IIagas, private in 2nd regiment 

Penna. Cavalry; died August 7, 1865, at 

Bethlehem, of the Camp Fever, contracted 

in the service. 
Aethur Van Vleck, company C, 12Cth Ohio. 

Taken prisoner at Culpepper, October, 14, 

1863. Died ia Libby Prison December21, 

1SG3. 

On the 21st of April, 1SC4, on application 
of the members of the Young Men's Mission- 
ary Society of Bethlehem, the said associa- 
tion was duly incorporated by the Court of 
Common Pleas of Northampton County, Pa. 
The petition was signed by Joseph A. Iliee, 
Bertine S. Erwin, Joseph II. Treager, Wil- 
liam A. Erwin, llerman A. Doster, Robert 
Rau, Geo. H. Luckenback, T. M. Rights and 
J. Albert Rondthaler. 

The following is a list of presiding ofTicers 
of the Young Men's ^.lissionary Society, 
Bincc its organization. 



1313-41— President, 

1341-43— " 

lSi2-43— " 

1843-44— " 

131445— " 

1S45-4G— " 

184M7— " 

1847-4S— " 
1848-13- 
1849-50— 
1850-51— 

1851-62— « 

1352 6»— " 

1833-54— » 

1854-55- " 



DaviJ Z. Smit'i. 
Simon r.aii, 
Owen J.Kicc. 
Owen J. Rice. 
Ower J. Kice. 
Owen J. Kice. 
B. r. Srhneller. 
Francis TVoIli 
Francis TVoUe. 
r.. A. Grlder. 
I'.. A. GriJer. 
L. II. lluebener. 
II. r. Krause. 
K. P. Krause. 
J. Enrdge. 



l';55-5C— President, 

]SjC-,-,7_ .1 

1857 5S— " 

185S-69— " 

1S59-60— " 

1800-01- " 

1801-02— " 

1802-03— " 

18C3-e4— " 

1SC4-C5— " 

1805-ee— '• 

1SC6-07— " 

1807-68- " 

18C8-C9— " 

1809-70- " 

1870-71— " 
The 



A. J. Erwin. 

A. J. Erw:n. 

A. J. Erwin. 

Joseph M. Leibert. 

Joseph M. Leiber*. 

Edward Rondthaler. 

Herman A. Doster. 

Abraham S. Scliropp. 

Joseph A. Rice. 

Joseph X. Rice. 

W. J. Holl ind. 

Ileury T. Clauder. 

Henry J. Seaman. 

Alfred J. Oarwi. 

Alfred J. Harwi. 

Eugene E. Weber, 
iers at the Anniversary meetings 
of the association were: — 
January 24th, 1841...Edward H. r.eichel. 
" 9th, 1842...A. A. Reinlie. 

" 8th, 1843...Ed. A. De Schweinitz. 

" 14th, lS44...Edwnn E. Reiuke. 
" 2Cth, 1S45...E. H. Reichel. 
" 2Jth, lS40...Franci3 WoUe. 
" 17th, 1847...BemhardDeSchweinilz. 
" 30th, 1818... Max Goepp. 
" 14th, 1S49... Lewis R. lluebener. 
" 13th, lS50...Lewi3 R. Huebener. 
« ISth, lS51...Bishop Van Tlcck. 
" ISth, l?52...Parmenio Leinbacli. 
" 23rd, 1S53...L. F. Kampman. 
" 2Sth, lSo4,..Clemcnt L. R'iiil; ■. 
" 2Sth, lS53...Euseno Leibert. 

" — th, 1S56... . 

" 11th, 1857...CIement L. Reinke. 
" 10th, 185S...Eugene Leibert. ^ 

" loth, 1859. ..Herman A. Brickcn-ttia. 
" loth, lS60...'n'iIIi.am Bigler. 
" 20th, ISCl... Samuel Reinke. 
« i:th, 1SC2...W. Henry Rice. 
" 25th, 1SC3...J. Theophilus Zjrn. 
" 17th, 1864... Edward Rondthaler. 
" 29th, lSC5...Ed. A. De Schweinitz. 
" — th, 1SC0...J. Albert Rondthaler. 
" — th, 18C-...Edw. Rondthaler. 
" — th, ISOS... Eugene L. Scliaefer. 
'• — th, 1809...Edw.RegennaB. 
" — th, 1870. .Wm. H. Togler. 
To insert a list of the active members of 
the society would not be interesting to Iho 
general reader, so it is omitted, but a list is 
given of the 

LIFE MEMBERS. 
Jamea Leibert, John Jordan, 

Mrs. Jano Jordan, W. H. Jordan, 



126 



II I S T II I ( A L 5 K i; T C 11 OF 



Miytt Helen Bill, 
Abm. S. Schroiip, 
Jos. II. TniegiT, 
Itev. IK-ury Vuu Vlcck, 
K.lw. Dill, 
KcT. gjlvoBtcr Wullv, 
IK-ury CopptH'. L. L. D , 
John C. ScUiopp, 



Miss Sophlf* Henry, 
Jos. A. Ilico, 
Kwing Jordan, 
Miss Kmily iu-ll, 
Mi:^8 Ltxuni lU'll, 
l^rriihard K. Lt-Iiiimii, 
W'm. Schropp, 
Col.ForesIor. 



Joiin IliU Martin, 
The society iss\ioil in 1805, an historical 
f ketch, and an ailJress by the llev. Edward 
lie Schweinitz, in a neat pamjililet, to whicli 
I am indebted for most of the foregoing in- 
formation, partieuLirly the lists ; to complete 
them, I add tlfsitcoiilaiiiing the names of the 
ministers and missionaries who are members 
of the association. 

Ilev. David K. .Smith, Rev. K. JI. Leibert, 

'* E. A. de Schweiuilz, '• 1'. It. Leiubich, 
'■ B. E. do ScLweiniti, " E. T. Klnge, 
" George Weiss, '* l^nianuel r.oudtlialcr, 

" "Wm, H. Warner, *• C. L. Iteiuke, 

** Edward liondthaler, " A. II. Home, 
■* E. n. Reicliel, " Janies Uaman, 

'* A. A. ReinUe, '■ P. Rommel, 

** Sylvester M'oUe, " Jo.seph Romis, 

** I'raucis WoUe, ** \V. Henry Rice, 



Rev. E. E. Ri InVe, !'.ev. Edmund Qcter, 
" Wm.C.Rcltliel, " U. S. Ilnchman, 

" E. P. Orolder, " S. B. Simes, 

" Joseph 11. Kuinmor, " 11. S. UofTmnn, 
" II. J. Van Vleck, " Clias. B. Shiillz, 

'* h, V. Kanipman, " S. M. Smith, 

" <!. W. Peikin, « Edw. Rondlhaler, 

'• II. A. Erickenstelu, Mr. W. Spaugh. 
Mr. H. Ruede, 

Tho " Young Men's Missionary Society 
and Christian Association," was organized 
February C, 1SC6, but by a resolution of Sep- 
tember ;;, 1SC7, became two distinct societies. 

At a monthly meeting of llio Young Men's 
Christian Association,held on Tuesday even- 
ing, September 13, 1S70. The following 
gentlemen were elected oflicers of the As- 
sociation to serve for tho ensuing year; 
rresidcnt, C. W. Krause; Vice Presidents, 
yy'm. C. I'erriday.C. H. Kidder, "W. B. Smith, 
CI. V. Snyder, Michael Bitlcr, and II. T. 
Clauder; Recording Secretary, Aug.ll. Lei- 
bert; Corresponding Secretary, ^Vm. II. 
Vogler ; Recording Secretary, Eugene A. 
Kau ; Treasurer, Franklin C. Stout. 



E E T II L E U E M, PENNSYLVANIA. 



127 




CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION AND NrRSERY BIILDIXGS. 

BETHLEHEM, PA. 



-1870. 



CHAPTER Xlir. 
TnE SoncTY for Protagating the Cuspcl 

AMOXO THE IlrATHEN. — STATISTICS OF TIIC 

UxiTY OF THE Erethren, Jascary I, 1SG9. 
List of the Ciiuri hes and Missioxs ix the 

InORTIIERX DiCCrSE OF THE CllURCII OF THE 

UsiTr.D i;Ri;Tiir;i;x ix America.— Ax Olh 
PASsror.T. — CiiEiSTiAX Frederick Post. — 
Sister " Polly Uickewelder." — PiEv. 
John IIicKEWELDnn, and his Wr.nixGS. — 
The IIonsFiELD Paplcs. — IIlstory of 
Kop.thamptox Ccl'xtv, rRo.« a Pamphlet. 
Official Seal op the JIoraviax Church, 
A coerectiox. — Travels of the Marquis 
Dr. Chastellvx ra America, 1780. — Chas. 
Tho:.:psox's theory of the Forji.vtiox of 
THE Wind-Gap.— Curiosities.— The Old 
Iron Stove Plates. — Indian Cor.x Grin- 
der. — The Old Sun Dial. — Old Tiles. — 
Oi-D Water Pipes. — The First Market 
House. — Old Grave Yard, south of the 



Lehigh. — Zinzexdorf's visit to Wvom;xu. 
— Formation of KoinuAMPTON County. 

HE illustration at the head of this 
chapter, which is copied from one of 
Klcckner's cabinet stereoscojiio views of 
the Lehigli Valley, presents to the riglit 
hand, looking at tlie picture, a representa- 
tion of the southern portion of one of the old 
j33conomy buildings of the Moravian Soeiofy, 
which I have heretofore described as the 
"Old Nursery." It stood on the east side 
of Main Street, a short distance ;iorth of the 
Jloravian church, and has just been torn 
down to make room for the new jiublicatiou 
olTice of the Moraviai* church, a splendid 
large four-story structure, witli a Mansard 
roof. The northern part of this old relic was 
demolished in 1SC7, to make room for the 
building of the Young Jlcn's Christian As- 
sociation of Bethlehem, a view of which is 



12S 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



also given in tlio cut. This latter building 
was erected in 18G7-CS, at a cost of $I6,:a-(>. 
It is 2S feet front by TO feet deep, and thn ( 
sluries in height, built in llie most substan- 
tial manner of brick with brown sandstone 
facings. On the first floor is the store ami 
otlico of the Publication Society of the Mo- 
ravian church, and in the rcarthoMuse\im of 
t!io Young Men's Missionary Society. On'.hc 
second floor the Library of the Christian As- 
sociation. And in the third- story a Lecture- 
room, ca]iable of seating 400 people, and 
which is used by the two societies that erected 
Ihc building. 

Among the many societies formed by, and 
composed of Members of the Moravian 
church in America, none are more ancient 
or honorable, or more deserving of commen- 
dation, than tlio "Society for rro])agating 
thcGospel among the Heathen," incorporated 
by Act of Assembly of the Representatives 
of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania, on the 2Tth day of February, 
1788. The first, second and fourth sections 
only, of Eaid Act, are necessary to give a 
sketch of the purposes of (ho society; the 
others relate merely to the business opera- 
tions of the corporation, and its power to hold 
real estate, and receive bequests. 

Sec. 1st - Whorcas, it liaa btrn rcprchTntcd to this 
IIousp, b)- the Kcv. John Lttweiii, ouo of llie Ili^lioi.i 
of Iho Church called Unitas Fuatrum, or Uniltil 
Dnthren, aiul the Rev. John Mttkr, Pastor in Onli- 
n:iiy of tho Faiil Clnirch in tlie City of rhil:uhli>hi;i, 
th:il siucc the ycarof onr Lonl. 1710, wlicn 6;ii<l Chinch 
b.'ipui to iiiiiko Bcttlomcnts in Amrrica, tho principal 
niin of thi'ir membora coming ovor from Europe, was, 
to airry the glorious trutlis of tho GuspL't to tlio 
IiiJiaus here; that they havo without intermission 
ontinued their labors among tho Indians, und not- 
withstan.Iing tho increase of cxprnses and othir difli- 
culties, nre resolved to pursue and Bnpport this com- 
mendable woik, nnd for this purpose havo formed u 
Society for tho Propagation of tho Gospel nan ng tho 
Heathen, and entered into certain ruUs of iis-^ocialioti 
fa copy whereof they havo subjoined to their Petition,) 
and prayed to incorporate the said Society, 

And Whereas, The propag;iti«)n of tho Gorpel among 
the Indians of America, is of great importance to the 
citizens of this andothorof the United States, and may, 
by tlie bicsaiuga of Gnd, bo conducive to t!io peace nnd 
Hecuhty of the inhabitants and settlers of our frontiers, 1 



i\nd by llvln™ oxamphs of tin- Missionaries nnd Iho 
converts, Iho J^-tvageg may bo ii:duced to turn ihiir 
minds to Ihe Christian religion, industry, rud b*H.i,il 
life with thJ cilizens of tho United States. 

Ami WhcreaSt This House la disjmsed to cxercliw 
the powerj vested in Ihe Lcgi-hturo of Ihe Ct^nnnoii- 
wealth, for the oncourigcmi-ul of all pious and chariti- 
blo purpost"*. 

Sec. 2nd.— /?« it Uifrf/oreenacUd by thr I7rpre!cn'.Z' 
tivfts of the rifcmcn *•/ the O/mmonwcalth of rfcnn- 
sylvania in General Assembly met, and by Vie au- 
thority of Vtt same. That tho R< v. John Ettwein. 
Bishop; Frederick William Ton Marshall, gentleman; 
the Key. Andrew IIindKiernnd Paul Mnenstvr ; IIai:a 
Christian Von SL-hweiuitz, gentlemin; the Rev. David 
Zcisberger, J.r.; John August Klingsohr; Jereniiih 
Denko; Charles GottholJ P.eichel; Eankl Kothler; 
Christian IJcn/.iiu nnd Godfrey Brezel, Iho present Pi- 
rtctors. The IIcv. Ilinhard AdaniGrube; Frederick 
Peter, Sr. and Jacob Van Vleck. tho present As^istr.ut 
Directors of tlie said Society, The Itcv. John Iliibsl ; 
JohuMcder; Francis Coihler; Jumcs EirUby; lA-ivis 
Kochler and Abr.-.h:im Iteincke, and others, tho Minis- 
ters in tho different Brethren's Congregations, nnd the ir 
Successors, and nil other nienihcrs of tho said Society 
who Iiavo and sha I hereafter f ubs* ribo to tho Uules of 
the said Society, Iw, andlliey nre Iiereby made, declared 
nnd constiJuted, to bo a corjjoration nnd body politic 
in law and in lact, to have continuance forever, by tho 
name, style, and title of **The S.Kiety of Iho United 
Brethren fur Propagating the G'.'spel uniong the 
Ilcatlien." 

The lliird section empowers tho society to 
hold real estate by purchase, gift or devise, 
and to receive bequests of all kinds of jjer- 
soual property. 

Sec. -ith. — And be it further enact u2 by the authority 
aforesaid, That all donations and contributions., rent-*, 
interests nnd profits, arising from tlio real and iicrsonal 
estate of tho uforesaid Corporation, ghall by tho said 
Directors nnd their successors, from timo to time bo 
applied and laid cut for tho mnintcnanco and support 
of their Missionaries and other Assistants; for building 
nnd supporting places of public worship and school*, 
providing books for the better educating, instructing 
and civilizing the chiidrou of the converts nnd others 
among tho nations who eball bo desiroua to commit 
their youths to tho care nnd instruction of tho said 
Missiouaries, and fur such other pious an I rharitablo 
uses as aro conformable to the ti uo design and intent 
of tho said Society. 

The fixed seat of the said Society is at 
Bethlehem, Pa., where the Board of Directors 
meet, and the stated general meetings are 
always held. 



li E T II L K II i; 



r 



Y L V A :; I A. 



129 



Article X, of the Stated Kules of the Society, 
says : 

'* As wo have no other view or aim but tlio fnrlher- 
ancc anJ prupagatiou of the kuowledyo cif Je^iuClirist 
anions tl'o poor benighted he:ithon, aU'i esteem it a 
high privilege to support that praiseworthy work to 
t!:c best of our abilities, b; iug conattaineil lu it by the 
love of Christ. All the Directors, Assistant Director?, 
;.u<l Ofiiccrs of the Society, renounce for ever all tle- 
niands and claims fur salaries or compensation fur 
their services.'' 

The Slst Anniversary of tlie Incorporation 
of the Society was held at Bethlehem, Pa., 
on the 9th of September, A. D., 1SC9, when 
the following officers were elected for the 
ensuing year, viz : 
Sylvester Wolle, I'lcsiJeiit. 
Robert de Schweinitz, Vice President. 
Edwin G. Klose, Secretary. 
"William II. Bigler, Currcspondiny Seeretari/. 
Ernst F. Bleck, Treasurer. 
Charles Augustus Luckenback, Henry B. 

Luckenback, James T, Borhek, and John 

0. Weber, Assintaut Dircetara. 
Jaracs II. Wolle, Charles F. Beckcl, and 

Simon Rau, Auditors. 

Rev. Sylvester Wolle, President of the 
Society, conducted the introductory devo- 
tional exercises, Bro. E. F. Bleck acted as 
Secretary. The following members deceased 
during the past year, Thos. C. Lueders, of 
Indianapolis, Ind., George Thomas, Litiz, 
and Amos C. Claud:;r, Bethlehem. A number 
of new members were elected. The report 
of the Board of Directors, containing a re- 
view of the condition of the Indian missions 
in Canada and Kanzas, was read by Bev. L. 
F. Kampniann. The receipts of the Society 
last year were $11,659.04, of which amount 
$10,500 was forwarded to the Mission De- 
partment of the Unity's Elders' Conference. 
At the love- feast in the afternoon, as during 
the morning meeting of the Society, addresses 
on various subjects connected with the work 
of missions, were made by the Brn. Robert 
and Emil de Schweinitz, A. A. Reinke and 
Herman A. Brickenstein, late delegates to 
the General Synod. 

Ill the Jloravinn of August 26, IS69, the 
following is given as a Roll of the Living 



Members of the Society for Propagating the 

Gospel among the Heathen, with the date of 

their enrolment. 

ISIG. retcr Wjlle. 

I "IS. Peter r.icksecktr, Jihn ^'. Jrieobs^n, f an.tj- 1 

reinke. 
1810. Jedidiiih TV. iss. 
1S22. Che.rles C. T. mbhr, Chriil.s F. rtcl.cl, i:. cry 

Uuebener, William F. Giering. 
lSi4. Ceo. Henry Bute. 
1S25. John M. Miksch, George W. Dixii.n, Chr. D. 

Eiisse, .John Beck, Fred, Roming. 
1SJ6. G orgo II. Goundie, Andrew G. Kern, Ch.arles, V. 

Kluge, Abraham L. Iluebener. 
1S2S. .John C. Brickenstein, Kugcno A. I'rceaufT, 

Ernst F. Bleck, David Bigler, John J. Ciering. 
I'^Ci*. Jacob F. Sigmund, Qeo. F. r.'.hnBon. Henry J. 

Klugo. 
1S.02. Jonns Meyers. 
1S.34. Charles B. Peter, Herman J. Titze, Win. t.. 

Lennert, Ambrose PtOLdthaler, Philip A. Cre- 

er-r. 
1SC5. Julius T. E.ekler, Philip II. Goepp. 
ISGO. Henry B. Lueki nbuch, .Matthew Cri^, Amos 

Bealer. 
1SG7. JohuKrause, Sylvester Wolle. 
1S3S, J. Chr. Weber, Emil A. de Schweinitz, Lewis V. 

Kampman. 
1840. James Henry, Wm. Thei.dore Boepper. 
1S41. Simon P.au, Jos. II. Kummer, Ilobt. de Schwcin. 

itz, John Begennas. Francis "Wolle, Ferdinand 

I.ennert, Abr. LichlentharUr, Timothy 5Ias?- 

lieh, Philip Cann, Jacob Stnrgis, Francis \V. 

Christ, George Grider, Ambrose II. Pauch. John 

Gracff, Ferdinand Piekert. 
1843. Chas. Aug. Luckenbacli, F. f. Ilngen, Pilw. It 

Reirhel. 
l.?43. Renben 0. Luckenbach, Augustus Wolle. 11. A. 

Shultz. 
1S44. Samuel Tost, Bciy. F. Sthneller. Samuel E. Ckw- 

ell, C. Edw. Peisert, Oliver Tombler. 
1845. Henry J. Van Vleck. 

1840. Edwin P. Wolle, Nath. S. Wolle, BcnJ. Willielm. 
1S47. James T. Borhek, Edmund D. Sehweiuilz. 

1848. William C. Rcichcl. 

1849. Augustus Belling, Mauiice C. Jones. 

1S;0. William Bear, William Kieiter, Henry Pat:eh. 

1851. Charles Sturgis, Aug. Sturgis. 

1852. A. A. Reinke, Charles W. Ranch, llerm. Rue.le, 

Alex. Sturgis, J. L. P.yseubach, V.'m. N". 
Moench. 

1853. James H. Wolle. 

1856, Eugene Leibert. Herman A. Brickenstein. 

1857. E. Linke, BenJ. P.icksecker, H. 0. BnchmaTi. 

Engene P. Greider, H' nry 0. Clauder. 



IGO 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



lS5i>. J. rhll. Uumiiul, lAwis r.. i:ikl'mr,0. T. Ihul.- 
Ill r, II. T. Ibicbnian, Owtn Kici", James llti- 
iiiaii. Albert L. OertiT, ,Ti)lin Ccnnick Ilanry, 
■\V. II. IJigk-r, Ernst Sulntlu", Jiicob McktbcIi. 
Frill. IJcrgr, Frt^-d. Andrt'ue, AVUHuni Smjilt. 
Fri«l. Williflm, i:. K. Keiuke. 

ISOO. IMwjinl KcIUt, lliih. \V. LiiWrt, Saiuuil Wt :ii- 
l:uul. 

1801. I lem. L. Ufiuko. .l..lm F. Fru.uiiff, .1. ItUv. 
LiicUfulmch, Wm, Ili'iiry Dice. O. F. OrliUt. 

1S02. .Tiuob l.uckcubiicli, Ficd. II. Boiiuk, John J. 
Dt tttrer, Gilbert Bishop. 

1803. Kdw.T, Khigp, Liiwrencu J.Ccrdr, P. II. Oajtp, 

Tliotnaa 1). Luckeubach. 

1804. i;iclmra AV..lff, Clms. B. Sliultz, J. J. firm'ufeWt. 

\V. lliiniuu FnieiiulT, IK-rmau Yo&t. 

180.'). Anibnijc .1. Fn\in,?^Ihui Hamilton. M. A. i:i(l- 
niuii. 

ISCG. Horiiiau Poster, IMin. A. 0<-i tt-r, I.. 1*. Ckwell, 
II. S. Hoffmann. F. II. U-.HamK .T. C. Israil, 
A. y\. Ivvr^uu. F. W. Kiiiiuss, J. (.l.Kalteii- 
lirniin. 

ISOT. Jrhn Praoger. Isjinc Prince, Joseph Iluniig, Ktl- 
^Vanl Uonilthalcr, Henry Ileusswig, Dav. Z. 
Smith, Stephen M Smith, O. F. Ueiko, J. E. 
AVH:;uscho, Juo. M. Warman, Abr. ?. Sclnupp, 
II. J. Seumnn, Joseph Rice, Diivid Rau, Cor- 
nelius W. Ivraiiso, Rutl. F. Ranch, Cyrus Bre- 
Jer, Jos. II. Tnieger, Oiville Ciider, Ww. T. 
Meyers, Robert Uun, Fred. A. Clauder, Henry 
T. Cluudcr, Thcod. F. Levers, ■Wm. A. Ki win, 
John Schmid, Jauies K. P.andi, Jacob Fulker- 
80U, .\dolph Connidi, Il-'rm. Jacobson. 

1^. R. Francis Jordan, Christion N< u, CharUs Nngle. 
Joseph Rickscckcr. 

ICCO. Gustaviii Fcurig. Edwin G. Klo^e, MiUiam H. 
Jordan, Luilwig Scheele, Haydn H. Tshiuly. 
Henry K. Weinland, Albert T. Doster, George 
AV. Perkin. Alfred J. Ilarwi. Ashton C. Burluk, 
AngnstusII. Lcibert.Pobert IVysert, Tlieo(lt>:e 
Fradoneck, John Smiml Kraiise. 
Tlic statistics of llic I'nity of Uic Brethren, 

January 1, IfiOO. 

Provinces. 

German, 

Jirilish, 

American 

Korth, 5,SC0 

South, 1,088 n,7r.s n,?fij 



Curamuuicant:*. Total. 
4,895 7,270 

3,280 5/M8 



11,S7I 2J,57n 

Missionaries among tlio Heathen, 305 

Children of Mij-'sionarJes, 100 



Total of Congregations in the Foreign 

Mission Field, f.y.l2:; 



A Hit of the Churches and Mis.sions of llic 
Xorthern Province of the Moravian Church 
in America. 

H'-nry Kousi^wig. 



Belhiiny, Minn., . 

with Oakrid^e, MJtin., 

Bethh-heni, Vu., . 

Urotiklyn, \. Y. . 
Canal Dover, Ohio, 
CliuskiL, Minn., 

with Northfteld, Minn., 
Fbenezer, AVis., 
E-- Harbor, X. J., 
Elizabeth, N. J., . 
Enimaus, P.i., 
Kphraiin, AVis., 

with StHrgecnBay,>Vi.-< 
Fort Howard, \\'i:<., 
Freedom, M'is., 
Fry'.s Valley, Ohio, 
Gnadenhuetten, Ohio, 
Gi-aceham, Md., 
ilriicehill, Iowa, . 
Greenbay, ^'1?!., . 
Uarniony, Iowa, . 
Hope, Ind., 

with Enon, Ind., 
Hopedale, Pa., 

with CovevilleandOak 
land, . 

Lake Mills, Wis., . 

with Mamrc, Wis., 

and New Salcm, 
Lancaster, Pa., 
Lebanon, 
Litiz. Pa.. . 
Monivia, Iowa, 
Nazareth. Pa , 
New Dorp, S. I., . 

with Centrevillo, S. S, 
New York, N. Y. EugU&li 
Now York, N. Y. Gcrm'u, 
Olncy, III., 
Palmyra, N. J., 

with Riverside. N. J.. 
Philadelphia, Pa., Ut < h. 
Philadelphia, Pa. 21 cli 

with Uarrowpxte. Pa., 
Schoeneck, Pa., 
Sharon, Ohio, 
Sooth Bethlehem. Pa., 

with EugUtib, S. S , 



> Edm. A. do Schwclnitz 
j and Lewis R. Iluebtner. 

Edwd. Itondthaler. 

Stephen M. Smith. 

CleniCDt L. Rcioko. 

t. It 

John G. Kaltcnbrunn. 
, G. R. S. Fcurii,'. 
Cliristian Neu. 
Jnlins Wuunscho. 
JohnG.Grocnfeldt. 

Andrew 51. Iversun. 
Gottlieb Ueeke. 
J.miea B. Ilanian. 

II>iiry T. lJrachm.".n. 
Betijamiu Bicksecktr. 
John D. Detterer. 
Lewi.s P. Clewell. 
William L. Lenncrt. 

fharles Na"el. 



I'hillp F. Rommell. 



Divid Bigler. 
Edmd. A. Oerter. 
Edward T. Klugc. 
Francis W. Knau^e. 
Henry A. Shultz. 
Francis F. Uagen. 

Aniadeus A. Eeii.kr. 
Theodore Sondertnan. 
John F. AVarman. 
Philip II. Gapp. 

Joseph II. Kommtr. 
Herman S. Ilofrman. 

John J. RogennaF. 
David Z. Smith. 
Henry J. Van Vleck. 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



131 



Utica, .\. Y.. . . John Praeger. 

WatertowDj Wis., . . John C. Israel. 

"West Salem, III., En.:;Ush, Joseph J. Rkksecker. 

"West Salem, IU.,GLrman, Horman J. Titze. 

York, Pa., . . . William Henry Kice. 

INDIAN MISSION.^. MIS8I0NABIES. 

Xlw Fairfield, Canada, . Ednin E. Relnke. 
.New WestfielJ, Kansiac, . Joseph Romig. 

la this connection, the following copy of 
a passport issued during the French and 
Indian war, by Gov. Denny to P^ev. Freder- 
ick Post, 1759, will not be without interest, 
"William Densv. 

To all persons idiom it may concern , Grectiug. 
Whereas, Rev. Frederick Post, a Deacon in the Church 
of the Uuitas Fratruni, has Eiguiflcd to me that now 
peace, through the Divine Bleesing, is likely to be 
establislied between his Majesty and the several 
Indian Nations with whom we were lately at war, 
he has an earnest desire to go amongst them with 
Bome of the Brethren of the said Church, in order to 
publisli the glad tidings of salvation obtained by our 
Lord Jl'SUS Christ, and whereas, I have had good 
experience of the loyalty, integrity and prudence of 
the said Frederick Post, having employed him on 
several important occasions during the war in ne- 
gotiating with the lodiaDs; I do therefore very 
readily grant him my authority and full lisence 
and permission, together with one, or more, of the 
said Brethren, to pass and repass as often a3 he shall 
think fit in the Indian country, unmolested and for 
the purpose aforfsaid, that is to say. to preach the 
gospel amongst any of the said Indian Nations, in 
nlliancc with bis Majesty, he continuing to demean 
himself well, and giving mo in every journey, or 
immediately on his return home, an account of his 
doings amongst the said Indian Nations, to whom 
he is hereby heartily recommended for a kind re- 
ception and good treatment. 
Given at Philadelphia November 5th, 1569. 
By his Ilonors cummand, 

Richard Peters, Secretary. 

Christian Frederick Post, was a Moravian 
Missionary among the Indians, a very 
courageous man, undertaking the most dan- 
gerous journeys cheerfully. He assumed 
during his travels, the dress of the Indians, 
and was much beloved by them. His jour- 
nal was in possession of the late departed 
Sister " Polly" Heckewelder. 

Johanna Maria Heckewelder was an in- 
mate of the Sisters' House, in Bethlehem, 
Pa., where she departed this life on the 19th 



of September, ISCS, aged eighty-seven years, 
five months and two days. She was the only 
daughterof the famous Moravian Missionary 
to the American Indians, the late Kev. John 
Heckewelder, and was born on Easter Mon- 
day, April 10, 17S1, at Salem, a village of 
christian Indians on the Muskingum River, 
and was baptized the nest day by the Rev. 
Williara Edwards, minister at Gnadenheut- 
ten. She was the first white child born in 
what is now the State of Ohio. A few days 
after her birth, occurred the events which 
ended in the breaking up of the Indian 
congregations on the Muskingum. TIio 
Wyandotte Nation took all the settlers jirison- 
ers, and they were compelled to march on 
foot to Detroit, which they reached after 
many hardships. In 1780 she was sent to 
the Female Seminary at Bethlehem, where 
she was educated, and in her twentieth year 
became a teacher in the Moravian School 
for Girls, at Litiz, Pa. ; five years afterwards 
her loss of hearing compelled her to resign 
her position. Her father died at Bethlclicm 
in the year 182:i, and having then no home, 
she found a safe retreat in the "Sister's 
House," where she lived a quiet, peaceful 
life, and passed her allotted time on earth. 
She was a great favorite with the people of 
the town; and many visitors to the place 
called on her, to hear her recount recollec- 
tions of the past. 

Her father, the Rev. John Heckewelder, 
was even more celebrated as an author than 
he was as a Missionary. 

In the first volume of the transactions of 
the Historical and Literary Committee of 
the American Philosophical Society, held at 
Philadelphia, for promoting useful know- 
ledge, published in 1819, will be found the 
following works of Rev. John Heckewelder, 
" An account of the History, Manners and 
Customs of the Indian Nations who ouce In- 
habited Pennsylvania and the Neighboring 
States," occupying 3j0 pages. In the same 
volume, will also be found 100 pages devoted 
to the correspondence between Mr. Hecke- 
welder and Peter S. Duponceau, Esq., res- 
pecting " The Languages of the American 



V.]-2 



II I S T U I C A L S K K T C II OF 



Iii.lians." Ami an article No. Ill, cntitlcil, 
'• WoiiIh, riirasea and Short Dialogues, in 
l[:t) Language of Ibo Lenni Lcnape or Dela- 
ware Inillans," by the Kev. John Ilcckc- 
v.uMcr, of BcthleUcm, these take up the rest 
of iho volume, 12 pages. Treeeding these 
v.orks, which are invaluable to the histor- 
i.m, is "The Ueport of the Corresponding 
lu'oretary to the Historical Committee, on 
llio Languages of the American Indians," 
and a " List of MS. Donations to the Com- 
mittee, concerning the Indians and their 
Languages." Among these donations are 
the following, by Mr. lleckewelder. 
1. A vocabulary of the llnthicaiitii, taken 
down from the mouth of cne of that na- 
tion, born in Connecticut— by tlie donor. 
". A vocabulary of the i'/uiuaiio, taken down 
from the mouth of a white woman, who 
had been 20 years a prisoner with that 
nation — by the donor. 
3. A vocabulary of the NantSculc, taken ilown 
from the mouth of a Nanticokc chief in 
17S5— by the donor. 
■I. A comparative vocabulary of the Lcnni 

iennjie and Ahjonqtiin — by the donor. 
.'>. Same of the Lenni Lcnaj^e proper, the 
MinKi dialect, the Mahicanni, A'atik or 
Xnrlil-, Chi'ppeicai/, Shdwano and Xanli- 
cul.c — by the donor. 
C. Same of the Lcnni Lcmrpc and Miami or 
Ticiijhurec — by the donor. 

7. Names of the various trees, shrubs and 

plants, in the language of the Lenni 
Lcnape or Dclnicarc, distinguishing the 
dialects of the Unamin and Mintfi — by the 
donor. 

8. A short account of the JIfcnr/tcc, Maqua or 

MimjocH, (as they are called by the white 
people,) according to the sayings and 
rejiorts of the Lenni J.cnnpc, Mahicanni, 
and other tribes connected with these, 
4 to 25 pp. — presented by the author, 
fl. A short account of the emigration of the 
nation of Indians calling themselves 
Lcnni Lenapc, and improperly called by 
the whites, JJclawarca, as related by 
themselves, 4 to 28 pp.— presented by 
the author. 



Among the books in the Library of the 
Philoso])hical Society at Philadelphia, there 
are numerous works " tlcpcailcd by the So- 
ciety of United Brethren at Bethlehem." 
why they do not reclaim them and keep 
them in their own church Library, is a 
mystery, they would be much safer in t!i.: 
church, than in tlie old building in Tiflh 
Street below Chestnut, in Philadeli)hia. 

"The Ilorsfield Papers, a large collection 
of original documents and' letters from the 
princijial characters in Pennsylvania, relat- 
ing to Indians business, at and about the 
period of the war of 1750, dejwitcd by Joseph 
Ilorsfield, Esq., of Bethlehem," arc also in 
this Library. They ought to be withdrawn 
and put in a place of safety. 

The Rev. Mr. lleckewelder also wrote " A 
Narrative of the Missions of the United 
Brethren among the Delaware and Mohigan 
Indians," which was published at Philadel- 
phia in the year 1S20. 

From asmall business pamphletpublished 
by Frederick Sc Co., at Lancaster, Pa., in 
18C9, the following brief " History of North- 
ampton County," is extracted, viz : 

" NoRTnAMI'TON CoCNTY, FORMED IS 17JI, is 

bounded north by Carbon and Monroe counties ; 
cast by the river Delaware, separating it from 
New Jersey; south by Bucks county ; west by 
Lehigh county. 

*' The southern portion is mountainous and 
uneven, being traversed by the irregular chain 
of bills called the South Mountains. These are 
chiefly composed of gneiss and other primary 
rocks, which are overlaid by limestone in some 
of the narrow vallcy.s. Magnetic iron ore ii 
found in several places on the bills associated 
with the primary rocks. North of thuso hills 
is a broad belt of the great limestone forniatiun 
of the Cumberland or Kitlany v.illey, wliicli 
stretches from the Delaware south-westward 
into Maryland and Virginia, having a soil of 
the most productive character, and a compara- 
tively level surface. Iron ore of the brown ar- 
gillaceous and hematite varieties is abundant 
along the south tide of the Lehigh, near the 
junction of this limestone with the primary 
rocks, and is mined in many places. It is also 
occasionally found within the range of limestone 
further north. On the Delaware, above Easton, 
the limestone belt is divided by a high ridgo of 
primary rocks, called Chestnut Uill, having 



B n T II L L II E M, r E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



•JO 



along it3 southern sido serpentine and other 
ningnesian rocks, associated with wbich are 
found talc, asbestos, tremolitc, arogite, neph- 
rite, zircon, tmirmaUn and a variety of other 
interesting minerals. There are few places in 
the State wbich offer so inviting a locality to 
the mincralugist as the neighborhood of Ttis- 
ton. About tbree miles north of Bethlehem is a 
small insulated ridge of primary rock, prutrud- 
ed through tho limestone, and nearly in lino 
with the range of Chestnut Hill. Between Al- 
It-ntown and Bethlehem, along the norlU side of 
the Lehigh, is a hill in which these rocks also 
appear, having on its northern sido soii^o de- 
tached portions of sandstone between the pri- 
mary rocks and the limestone. Tho northern 
border of tho limestone furmation extend.-: cm t- 
ward from tho Lehigh at Siegfried's Bridge, ly 
Bath and Nazareth to the Delaware, at the 
mouth of Martin's Creek, appearing also on tho 
north sido of the river, to a point nearly oppo- 
site Belvidcre. From this line to tho base of 
tho Blue Mountains the country is composed of 
a slate formation, with the exception of a nar- 
row point of limestone on the Belawaro, about tho 
mauth of Cobus Creek, below the Water Gap, 
which, after extending a short distance west- 
ward sinks beneath the overlaying slate. The 
surface of this slate region is generally hilly, 
and the soil but moderately productive; being, 
however, susceptible of great improvement by 
the use of lime as a manure, when aided by ju- 
dicious cultivation. Extensive slate quarries 
have been opened at different jdaecs, and an ex- 
tensive business is carried on. Koofing slate of 
a superior quality is obtained in large quantities, 
end school slate manufactories have been estab- 
lished, in which, by the aid of ingenious ma- 
chinery, slates of neatness and excellence are 
produced at a moderate price. Some <.f the 
lower strata of the slate formation, near its 
junetioh with the limestone, yield an excellent 
hydraulic cement, which is manufactured on tho 
Lehigh. These strata are finally exposed on 
the east side of Martin's Creek, near its mouth. 

"The Blue Mountain now forms the northern 
boundary of Northampton, and is capped by the 
compact gray and reddish sandstones of tho 
formation next above the slate last mentioned. 
Tho Delaware and Lehigh rivers both pass 
through this mountain by gaps apparently torn 
by the mighty force of the gushing waters from 
tho country above j with high and precipitous 
cliffs rising almost perpendicularly from the wa* 
ter, and presenting magnificent views of wild 
and romantic scenery on the rivers, as well as a 
widely extended and beautiful prospect from the 
top of the mountain. Near mid-way between 



these two rivers is a singular opening caP^d tlio 
Wind Gap, through which no stream passes ; bi:t 
the almost level crest lino of the mountain is 
here depressed nearly as low as the conntry on 
each sido; forming a notch in the mountain of 
peculiar convenience for tlie passage of travel- 
ers and teams, and towards which the leading 
loads on both sides converge and paso through 
i:i one great thoroughfare. 

"The Delaware river flow3 along tho eastern 
s'do of the county, in a direction nearly south, 
but with a meandering course. The Lehigh 
runs south-eastward along tho western boundary 
to within about five miles of Allentown, where 
it passes into Lehigh county, one township of 
which lies east of the river. At Bethlehem it 
again enters into Northampton county, having 
now a north-eastern course to the Delaware :;t 
Easton. Bushkill creek is a considerablestream, 
rising by several branches near the Blue Moun- 
tain, and flowing southward to the Delaware at 
Easton. Its mouth is but a short distance abuvo 
that of the Lehigh. This stream supplies power 
to a great number of mills throughout most of 
its course. Martin's creekruns southward to the 
Delaware, seven miles above Easton. The Mon- 
ocacy has also a southward course, falling into 
the Lehigh at Bethlehem. Saucon creek fluw_i 
north-eastward from tho southern pnrt of Lchii^Ii 
county, and empties on the south side of tho 
Lehigh below Bethlehem. All these stream:--, 
together with a number of smaller creeks in 
different parts of the county, supply abundance 
of water power for mills and manufacturing pur- 
poses, la addition to this, the surplus water 
from the dams and canal of the LchigJi NaviJ^■l- 
tion Company, is lot for uses requiring v, aLer 
power. 

" Easton, the county town, is beautifully sici3- 
ated at the confluence of the two rivers, sur- 
rounded by picturesque hills, having on llio 
cast the mnjostic Delaware, on the south tho 
wild and rapid Lehigh, and on tho north the lit- 
tle Bushkill, winding its way through the green 
meadows, and having its banl;s studded vtlh 
busy mills and substantial f:irm houses. This 
town is favorably located for business, being in 
the midst of a fertile, well cultivated and popu- 
lous region, and at the junction of the Delawaro" 
Division of the State canal, with the works of 
the Lehigh Navigation Company. It has com- 
munication with New York by several rail roadi- 
and tho Morris Canal on the opposite side of tho 
Delaware, The town ia rapidly increasing in 
wealth and population, containing about II.- 
000 inhabitants. Tho Court House is in tho 
centre of the town, and other fine public buiM- 
ings, and a number of churches, some of whic:Ji 



IJ.! 



HIST o n I C A L 



K i: T C H OF 



nrc spju-loi;^ nnd luindsomo edifices. Lafayette 
<'>dlc;;o is a noble buildiii;:, situated on the liiU 
imrtb of tlie I'usHkill creek, and commandln;^ n 
fi::o view of the town, the river«, the canal>' and 
I'.ic iiicturcsfiuc and flouii.shing country iiruund 
f -r miles in extent. 

Ilethlchcin, on the Lclii;;li, eleven miles aI,"»vo 
Euiiton, was founded nt :in early d:iy by the 
Munivians or United Brt-thren, and the town is 
etill chiefly inhabited by their dcsccndantj^. 
U'liey have a largo churt-h, a female seminary, a 
school for boys, a widuws* bouso for the support 
of indi;;cnt widows, and a sisters' house for the 
Fupport of indigent unmarried females, «tc. AW 
these institutions are admirably conducted, and 
a degree of neatness and order is everywhere ob- 
servable whichishighly creditable to that church. 
The schools enjoy a high and deserved reputa- 
tion, and have a great number of pupils from 
the city and various parts of the counJry. The 
delightful situation of this place, the charming 
country' around it, and above ull, the tpiiet and 
order observed by the inhabitants, with their 
politeness and general attention to the conveni- 
ence and comfort (d' strangers, have rendere 1 
IJcthlebcm a favorite place cf resort during 
Eummcr months. The day may bo pk'asantly 
p::sscd in riding througii the beautiful country 
around, in walks among the bills, in boating ur 
C-'liing on the river, while the evenings are en- 
livened by music, tlie inhabitants being dliitin. 
guished for their attention i)aid to music, ami 
the excellence of their performance in tin:; art. 
Ijcthlehem, or old Bethlehem, contains about 
6,000 inhabitants. 

I'liuth Bclblehem, opposite rclhlehcm, on the 
fouth side of the Lehigh, is a very enterprising 
town, containiugabout -1,000 inhabit:ii:ts. There 
are i:inc works, rolling mills an 1 numerous other 
work? of note; also, i:a extcn.'ivo incrcautilo 
business, conducted thitlly liy young and cntcr- 
piising business men. The Lehigh Lniveri-iiy 
is in its limits, it is an edifice that has bv.t 
kw equals for beauty, beallh, Ac, and bicls f a r 
nt no disUmt day to be onu of the greatest in- 
Et lutious of America. 

The public improvements of most importance 
to ihe country are the Delaware Division cf Ike 
btjite Canal, and the canal and shitkwater navi- 
puiou of the Lehigh Kavigation Co The Dela- 
ware Division extends from tide-water,atI>ristol 
iu KnuUtUf about eight miles of the canal being in 
Korthampton county. At Kaston it connctts 
with the Lehigh Kavigjition, which -extends up 
the river to the nortii western corner of the 
county. The benefits received by the people of 
this region from the construction of these works 
w i:i be perceived when it is considered; that be- 



fore they were undertaken Iho Lehigh was use- 
less for the purpose of navigation — produce be- 
ing sent from Kaston in long narrow boats, 
wliich descended the Delaware at high water bj 
hazardous voyages through tho falls, and were 
pUL bed back against the current by tho inces- 
sant and fatiguing operation of ''setting'' <r 
propelling the boat by means of long poles 
pointed with iron. 

Tho roads are generally kept in good condi- 
tion fnr traveling, and bridges are built acrois 
the Lehigh at important points. Tho inhabi- 
tants are mostly of German descent, :ind in 
their familiar intercourse with each other gen- 
erally use their own language, though there nro 
few who do not understand and speak Engli.-h 
sufiiciently well for the common purposes of con- 
versation. We cannot make this history com- 
plete without giving a passing notice of some 
uf the principal business houses of Ccthkdiem 
and South Bethlehem. In tlie dry goods btisi- 
ness wo find C. M. Knauss &, Eoiliek, Bethle- 
hem ; Dr. J. K. Roney, of reansylvcnia Dental 
Cullcgo of Philadelphia; tho Photitgrapb 0:;1- 
Iciy of Messrs Osborne Cz Malthauci; taking 
pictures from carte dc vitiile to life size, they do 
work Cfiual to Xcw Voik or Philadelphia. E. 
C. llickiccker's spacious music store, where a 
full assortment uf musical iustrnments and 
^hcct music is always kept on hand. Again: 
the jewelry establishment of James K. Piauch, 
\vhi<.li is equal to any in the larger cities. To 
those contemplating going to housekeeping, or 
wishing fine furniture, will find it at Jlessrs. 
Ziminelo & Ilarwi. Any person wishing any- 
thing iu the bat, cap or fur line, can find a well 
selected assortment at John B. Zimmelc's. P. 
K. Luckenbach, dealer in stoves, tin and house 
furnishing goods; U. .AL Krause, dealer iu h;:rd- 
waro; Jos. A. Vt'eaver keeps constantly uu hand 
books, stationery, «tc., and the daily papers, op- 
posite tho Sun HoteL Anthony Goth, dc:;Ur 
in wall paper, and p.ipcr banger. Any person 
wishing a fine suit of clothes, can be accommo- 
dated at Messrs. Kickum & Derr, nicrcb.ai.t 
tailors. Geo. Jones, manufacturer of spiiit 
vinegar and bitters. J. U. Lilly, dealer in 
grain, flour, feed, liquors and wine. Transue & 
Buss, planing mill; and the Monocacy Brewery, 
In South Bcthlclitm wo find the enterprising 
druggist, AViUinm S. Sieger." 

Si;al of rur. IMouavian Cnrncn. 
At page 00, of these sketches, the official 
Seal of tho Moravian church is spoken of as 
tho "official I^j^iscopol seal/* which is erron- 
eous, as the Bishops of the Moravian church 
are not clothed with any prc-cmiuent au- 



BETHLEHEM, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



135 



thority. They do not govern the church, 
and the Seal not being used by the Bishops 
exclusively, is not an Episcopal Seal. For 
this correction I am indebted to the " Me- 
morials of the Moravian church," vol I, p. 
;;iii, where the following description is given 
(>f the Seal of the church, viz i ** On a shield 
ranguine a Paschal Lamb argent, passant, 
carrying a cross resurrection argent, from 
which is suspended a triumj)hal banner of 
the same." 

I beg to observe that tlie color snit^iunr, 
murr}', or a dark red, is in heraldy a. stained 
or dishonorable color, see the Encyclopedia 
Motropolitana; the color should therefore 
he gules, red, esjiressed bylines perpendicu- 
lar from top to bottom, in a drawing of the 
Seal. The color represented by the book- 
j)lato of " The Moravian Book Association," 
is argent; the banner is without the cross 
upon it; tlie staff is entirely too long, and 
improperly drawn, neither extremity of it 
srhould touch the edge of the shield. 

It has always been my intention to place 
upon the title page of this work, the official 
Seal of the Moravian church; and with all 
due respect to the association, I shall carry 
out my original design ; although the wood- 
cut will not express any colors, because the 
impression which I have of the "official 
Seal" (furnished me by the proper authori- 
ties of the church,) does not bear the heraldic 
marks of colors. The true blazon of the Seal, 
furnished me by Mr. Charles J. Lukens of 
Philadelphia, a member of the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania, and the well known 
expert in heraldic art, is " Gules, a Paschal 
Lamb, (or holy lamb,) proper, upon a Mount 
Vert. Motto: — Vicit Agnus, nostcr, Eum Sc- 
rjuamur, ' Our Lamb is victorious, let us fol- 
low him.'" 

In an old work entitled, " Travels in North 
America, in the year 1780, &c," written by 
the Marquis de Chastellux, will be found an 
interesting account of the author's visit to 
the " Moravian Mill" and Bethlehem, eom- 
ifiencing at page 30G, of vol. 2nd, and ending 
;;t page 334. 

And in a note to page 401, of the same 



volume, will be found Mr. Charles Thom- 
son's interesting account of the formation of 
water-gaps in our mountains, in which par- 
ticular mention is made of the Wind-gap ; 
which he thinks was formerly the bed of the 
Delaware, or rather an earlier outlet for a 
vast inland lake, once existing to tlio north of 
the Blue Ridge ; but that afterwards the wa- 
ters of the lake having freed another and 
easier opening in the ridge at the Delaware 
"Water-gap, which entirely drained what was 
once the great inland sea, the Wind-gap be- 
came wliat it now is, a dry thoroughfare, 
about one hundred feet higher than the 
present bed of the Delaware. 

Among the books written by Mr. Charles 
Thompson, afterwards secretary of the Conti- 
nental Congress, is a rare work, a -copy of 
which I have in my possession ; showing 
the manner in which the Minisink and 
Munsey Indians were defrauded of their 
lands, having the elaborate title of *'An 
Enquiry into the Causes of tlie Alienation of 
the Delaware and Shawanese Indians from 
the British Interest, and with the measures 
taken for renewing their Friendship. 

" Extracted from the Public Treaties aud 
other authentic papers relating to the Trans- 
actions of the Government of Pcuus hanld 
and the said Indians, for near forty yeors ; 
and exjilained by a jVnp of the country. 

"Together with the remarkable Journal 
of Christian Frederic Post, by whose Negotia- 
tions among the Indians on the Ohio, they 
were withdrawn from the Interest of the 
French, who therupon al)andoned tlie Fort 
and Country. 

"With Notes by the Editor, explaining 
sundry Indian Customs, i-c. 
" Written in Pcunsjlvani'i, 

Lo.NDOX. 

"Printed for J. AVilkie, at the Bib'.e 

in St. Paul's Churchyard. 

MDCCLIX." 

On an old cast-iron oven plate, taken from 
the cellar of the former residence of Chris- 
tian Lange, deceased, the following words 
are cast, " Pichte nicht Auf Das Ihr,'* ?'. <., 



136 



lIISTOniCAL SKETCH OF 



"Judge not least ye be judged." The sen- 
toneo is not complete, as will be perceived, 
the words '" .Vk7i( ijcrlchlcd loird," being 
oniittod. Ou the lower part of the plate is 
llio date of its casting, 175G. I deposited 
.tills old rclie in the Museum of the Young 
Mon'-s Missionary Society, where there are 
several others of a like character. These 
[dates arc about 22 by 2G inches. On one of 
ihcni there is the picture of a minister in a 
pulpit, having a book in his hand, with a 
crown in an arch above his head, the arch 
being supported by columns on either side 
of the pulpit, on the right is a female figure, 
apparently entering the church through an 
open door, to the left is the figure of a man, 
also entering, this representing, I ])resume, 
a marriage ceremony; below on the plate is 
the inscription. 

" WkR nAIt IBKH NUH WIL LACUEX, 
DeH MAO E3 BESER MACHEN, 
TaTELEN KBNEN IA SEIt VII., 
AeEU BESER MACHEN 1ST DAS RECIITE SPIL." 

That is to say : 
" Whoever chooses to laugh over this pic- 
ture, lie shall make a better one. Anybody 
can make fun, but to Jo better, that is the 
right way." 

There is another plate, bearing the dale 
1750, on which is tho following distach, 
" Laa dich due Icsa nichi," meaning, "Don't 
let your anger overcome you," or in the 
Yernacular, keep cool 1 a cool proverb for the 
cook, on a hot plate; for these plates were 
used on tho front of the ovens, and the sides 
of fire places in old times, to ornament them, 
while being useful. There is one side plate 
in the museum, taken from the " old Family 
House" or "Nursery," as I have called it, 
on which is the figure of a stork drinking 
out of a high, long necked urn, while a 
thirsty fox looks on disgusted. Another 
front plate, dated 1751, is so broken that the 
inscription cannot be deciphered, although 
the plate is the most interesting of tho %vhole 
collection, being ornamented with arches, 
columns, festoons, boqucts and flowers in 
potaj in tho upper dexter corner is tho fol- 



lowing name, in large capital letters, joined 
together, forming a kind of monogram, 

I.MIX roT. 

Meaning Joii.n Putt, who was one of the first 
iron founders in Pennsylvania, and tho 
manufacturer of these east-iron stove plates, 
lie lived at that time in Gcrmantown, and 
was of German descent; his father, 'NVilhelm 
Pott, having emigrated to this country in 
1734, and settled at that place, see llupp's 
History of Schuylkill County, .tc, page 272, 
in a note. From this family tlio town of 
PollBvillc, Pennsylvania, lakes its name. 
I The Germans pronounce the name J'uti ; I 
have this from John Vogel, of Philadelphia, 
late of Bath, who is of German descent, and 
was well acquainted with some members of 
the Pott family, and like Ihem, is engaged in 
the same business that they were then. Mr. 
Vogel says he has one of tho old stove plates 
above described, of a very large size, Hbearing 
the date of 17-15. Nearly every one of these 
old plates have the representation of flowers 
in pots, ou them; this seems to have been 
the trade mark, or the crest of the family of 
Pott. 

Mr. Kdward II. Rau, showed me one of 
these old relies, now in possession of his 
family, on which there is the representation 
of the temptation of Joseph. Potiphar's wife 
is in the act of springing out of a high-post, 
curtained bed, clutching with both hands 
the flying cloak of the rapidly departing 
Adonis; below the picture are the words, 

"DAS WEIB DAS SVCHT 
JOSEPH ZV aNTZ\'KDE. 
]M. 1 r.. MOSI" 13 C 1740." 

Meaning literally, "The woman she seeks 
Joseph to inflame." In the first Book of 
Moses, chapter 13, 1749." 

Among the numerous curiosities in the Mu- 
seum are some that are rare. I purchased 
of a lad, Thomas A. Milchsaek, a few years 
ago, a large stone, pear shaped, resembling 
in form a pine ajyph cheese^ only in size a 
trifle larger, which had formerly been used 
by the Indians to grind corn with, the under 



r. i: T 11 L E H i: :i, p e x x s y l v a n i a. 



107 



side, or larger end, is polislied smootli from 
constant use. It was found in the old In- 
dian House, on the west bank of the Manoc- 
liasy, when they tore down that old building. 

A gentleman at Nazareth has a large and 
valuable eolloetion of Indian relics and curi- 
osities, numbering 6,000 pieces. 

The '• Old Sun Dial," made of soap-stone, 
is another curiosity, this was formerly on 
the south side of the Brethren's House, it 
has on its face the date, mdccxltiii, at the 
bottom of the stone, and at the top the words 
" GLOEIA PLEUE.5!:," 1. e., ■' Honor to the 
pierced side of Christ." 

In the Museum there is also many old 
Tilca, made in Bethlehem, a part of one has 
burnt in on its face, 17i the rest of the date 
being broken off. These tiles were used for 
floors, mantels, stoves and roofing. Some 
were colored, and highly ornamented with 
figures and flowers, impressed on them and 
burnt in. A specimen of mantel brick or 
tile, black in color, and ornamented, is among 
those preserved in the Museum. Some speci- 
mens of the roofing tile formerly used in the 
town, are also carefully treasured. 

In tearing down the old residence of Mr. 
Lange, above referred to, to make room for 
the erection of the large building and hand- 
some drug store of M. M. Sclfridge, on Main 
Street, opposite the Eagle Hotel, he discov- 
ered under the pavement in front of the 
dwelling, two sections of the old pitch pine 
water pi])e3, laid down there in the year 
1766, to supply the Sun Hotel with water. 
One section of it was carefully removed, and 
found tobc in a perfect slate of jireservation. 
He had it sawed into short lengths, one of 
which is deposited iu the Museum at Bethle- 
hem, and another portion sent to Frederic C. 
Graff, the engineer of the Fairmount Water- 
works, Philadelphia. This latter piece has 
still attached to it the original iron connec- 
tion or hub, by which it was fastened to the 
ne.xt section. The wood, after having been 
in the ground one hundred and five years, 
emitted a strong smell of turpentine when 
taken out. This section appeared to have 
been made from the trunk of a pine tree. 



with bark on it, and the branches sliU re- 
maining some three inches in length, with 
a hole bored through the trunk. The hole 
had become much enlarged by the action of 
the lime water, which had eaten out (he 
heart of the tree. The bark helped to pre- 
serve the wood, which is sound and perfect, 
except the heart, although the bark crumbled 
to dirt ou being exposed to the air and 
handled. 

In demolishing the old CEconomy Build- 
ing on Main Street, to make room for tho 
erection of the new Moravian Publication 
Buildings, the rafters of the old structure 
were removed sound and in good condition, 
they were of oak, of large size, 24 feet long, 
each, and six by eight inches in thickness; 
and were sold for joists, to be bo used in 
another building about to be erected iu tho 
town 

There were some curious customs iu the 
town in the old days of the CEconomy, one 
of %vhich would sound singular in these times. 
The store belonged to the Society, and when 
any one called for an article, sugar for ex- 
ample, the person was asked : How much do 
you want? If, six pounds, was replied. 
How many have you in your family? Or if 
the storekeeper knew, he said, you have only 
six, you must do with three pounds, we have 
others to supply beside you, we don't get 
goods from town, (Philadelphia,) every dav. 

In the open space of ground to the south 
of the Eagle Hotel, now an open green, there 
stood iu the early part of the present cen- 
tury, an enclosed frame Market House, 
which was torn down about the year 1S24; 
and an open Market House, with brick pil- 
lars erected in its stead, on Market Street 
near to, and east of Main Street, here meat 
only, was sold every morning to the people. 
Shortly after the iucorporatiou of the bor- 
ough, it was determined to grade the streets; 
in doing this it was necessary to cut down 
Market Street at that 2'oint very considera- 
bly, so the market had to be demolished. 
Since then there has been no public market 
in Bethlehem, although one is sadly needed. 
The stone Water Tower, which stood further 



138 



HISTORICAL S K i; T C II OF 



cast on Market Street, opposite the present 
residence of Ambrose J. Erwin, was also 
torn down about the same time, and lor tbe 
pamo reason. 

Tliere was a pruvo-yard laid "tit on llie 
south side of tbe Lehigh River, in the year 
1747, f^r the interment of persons attached 
to the Brethren's Church, who lived in 
Saticon. It was on the hill near the ferry 
and Crown Inn, on the sjiot now occupied 
by the hot-house of Jlr. K. I'. AVilber. 

The town of Kaston, ra.,the teat of justice 
of Northampton County, was laid out in 
1737, by Hugh Wilson and Col. Martin, com- 
missioners, and Wm. Parsons, surveyor. 
The Moravians had at this place, at an early 
period of its settlement, a Rretbren's House, 
a large stone edifice, now one of the oldest 
buildings in the town, forming a portion of 
John Bachman's hotel, but it was never used 
for the purpose for which it was erected. It 
was rendered famous in the Colonial times 
by the couileils held there with the Indians 
and the treaties concluded with them, es- 
pecially those made Avith C'ln-nttS'sat-c-ffOy 
the chief of the Si.K Nations, and Tcducscmr/, 
the celebrated hing of the Delawares. 

7.i.nzi;niioi;i''s Visit to Wvominu. 
" 2eal for the projiagation of the Gospi-l, 
caused the foot of tbe first white man to 
tread the soil of Wyoming. Long tbe resi- 
dence of kings, it may not bo improper to 
relate that the first white visitor should 
have been of noble birth, and of kingly- (?) 
extraction.'' So admirably is the event rc- 
. lated by Mr. Chapman, that 1 copy his 
original and well authenticated narrative 
entire. Wm. Penn Miner's History of Wy- 
oming, page 3S, <tc. See also Wm. L. Stone's 
History of Wyoming, page 100. 

" Soon after the arrival of the Delawares at 
Wyoming, and during the same season (the 
eummer of the year 1742,) a distinguished 
foreigner. Count Zinzendorf, of Saxony, ar- 
rived in the valley on a religious mission to 
the Indians. This nobleman is believed to 

* I never before heard th:it Zinzendorf wag of kingly 
flcBCent. 



have been tlio first white person that ever 
visited Wyoming. He was the revivor of iho 
ancient church of the United Brethren, and 
had given protection in his dominions to the 
prosecuted Protestants who had emigrated 
from Moravia, thence taking the name of 
.Vuravi'niiii, and who, two 3'ears before, had 
made their first settlement in Pennsylvania. 
"Upon his arrival in America, Count Zin- 
zendorf manifested a great anxiety to have 
the Gospel preached to the Indians; and al- 
though he had heard much of the ferocity 
of the Shawanese, formed a resolution to 
visit them. With this view, he repaired to 
Tnlpclwckcn, the residence of Conrad Weiser, 
.a celebrated interpreter, and Indian agent 
for the government, whom he wished to 
engage in the cause, and accompany him to 
tbe Shawanese town. Weiser was too much 
occupied in business to go immediately to 
Wyoming, but he furnished the Count with 
letters to amissionary of thenamcof Mack," 
and the latter accompanied by his Aj'ife, who 
could speak the Indian language, proceeded 
immediately with Zinzendorf for the pro- 
jected mission. 

" The Shawanese appeared to be alarmed 
on the arrival of the strangers, who pitched 
(heir tents on the banks of the river a little 
below the town, and a council of the chiefs 
having assembleil, the declared purpose cf 
Zinzendorf was deliberately considered. To 
these unlettered children of the wilderness, 
it appeared altogether improbable that a 
stranger should have braved the dangers of 
the boisterous ocean, 3,000 miles broad, for 
the sole purpose of instructing them in the 
means of obtaining happiness after death, 
and that too, without requiring any compen- 
sation for his trouble and expense; and as 
they had observed the anxiety of the white 
jieople to purchase land of tbe Indians, they 
naturally concluded that the real object of 
Zinzendorf was cither to proeqre from them 
the lands at Wyoming for his own use, to 

^ Julin Mnrtiu Muck, a missioaary then, and after 
wards a Bishop of the Moravian Church. Tho idea of 
Weiser introducing Zinzendorf to one of liis own peo- 
ple, is absurd 



B i: T II L E II E M, P E N N S Y L V A X I A. 



130 



search for hidden treasures, or to examine 
the country with a yiew to future conquest. 
It was according resolved to assassinate him, 
and to do it privately, least the knowledge 
of the transaction should produce a war with 
the English, who were settling the country 
below the mountains. 

" Zinzendorf was alone in hi:; tent, seated 
upon a bundle of dry weeds, wiiicli composed 
his bed, and engaged in writing, when the 
assassins aiiprnached to execute their bloody 
commission. It was night, and the cool air 
of September had rendered a small fire nc- 
necessary to bis comfort and convenience. 
A curtain formed of a blanhrt. and liung 
upon pins, was the only guard t > the en trance 
of his tent. The heat <if his fire had roused 
a large rattle-snake, which lay in the weeds, 
not far from it; and the reptile, to enjoy it 
more eHectually, crawled slowly into t!io 
tent, and passed over one of his legs undis- 
c >vered. "Without, all was still and riniet, 
except the gentle murmur of the river at the 
rapids, about a mile below. At this moment 
the Indians softly ajiproached the dijor of 
his tent, and slightly removing the curtain, 
coutemjilaled the venerable man, too deeply 
engaged in the suly'cct of his thoughts to 
notice either their approach, or the snake 
which lay extended before him. At a sight 
like this, even the heart of the savage shrank 
from the idea of connnitting so horrid an act, 
and quitting tljo fpot they hastily returned 
to the town, and informed their companions 
tliat the Grcai SpirU protected the white man, 
for they had found him with no door but a 
blanket, and had seen a large ratttc-snakc 
crawl over his legs without attempting to 
injure him. This circumstance, together 
with the arrival soon afterwards of Conrad 
AVeiser, procured Zinzendorf the friendship 
and confidence of the Indians, and probably 
contributed essentially towards inducing 
many of them, at a subsequent period, to 
embrace the Christian religion. Tlie Count 
having spent twenty days at AVj-omIng, re- 
turned to Bethlehem. 

" Count Zinzendorflcarningthesupremacv 
claimed and exercised by the Six Nations, 



applied to their chiefs for leave to visit the 
Indian villages, and instruct the natives in 
the doctrines of repcntanee and salvation, 
through the merits of the Saviour. He could 
not have been received and replied to with 
more politeness, at the most refined court of 
Europe. The answer is so beautiful in its 
simple, yet dignified eloquence, that I take 
pleasure in translating it. 

"'Brother, you have madtf a long journey 
over the seas to preach tllo gospel to the 
white people and to the Indians. You did 
not know that we were here, and we knew 
nothing of you. This proccnh from above. 
Come therefore to us, you and your brethren ; 
we bid you welcome among us. Take this 
fathom of wampum in confirmation of the 
truth of our words.' 

" The Moravians who had established 
tlicmsclves at Bethlehem, wore indefatiga- 
ble in their labor of love to christianize the 
Indians. Neither the heats of summer, win- 
ters storms, the dangers of the entangled 
forests, nor the toil in ascending precipitous 
mountains, could check the holy enthusiasm 
of the missionaries. Eight or ten made 
themselves masters of the Indian languages, 
with their kindred dialects, thatthey might 
bo understood. Two bishops, CamerholT 
and De WatteviUe, traversed the wilderness 
on foot, visited the various tribes and settle- 
ments on the Susquehanna, preaching the 
Saviour, and exhorting to repentance ; tlie 
former sacrificing his life by exposure to the 
behests of duty." 

By virtue of an Act of Assembly of March 
11, 170'-', the County of Northampton was 
formed. By the Act, Thomas Craig, Ilugli 
Wilson, John Jones, Thos. Armstrong and 
James Martin, were authorized to purchase 
land at Easlun, on the Lchci'tnn, to build a 
court house, i-c, for the public service. 

The first court was held at Easton, June 
l(i, 1752, in the 2Gth year ot the reign of 
ijeorge''2d, i-e., by Thos. Craig, Timothy 
Ilorsfield, Hugh Wilson, James Martin and 
Wm. Craig, justices of the Lord our King. 

Previous to this time, Bethlehem was 
within the limits of Bucks County, which 



140 



U I S T n I C A 1. S K E T Oil OF 



formerly contained all of Northampton, Le- 
high, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna 
and Wayne, and parts of Schuylkill, North- 
umlierland, Luzorno and Columbia. 
See I. D. Bupp3, Uistory of Northampton, 



Lehigh, Monroe, Carbon and Schuylkill 
Counties; copyrighted in 1844, and printed 
at Ilarrisburg in 1845. G. Hills, proprietor, 
Lancaster, Va. : also, the History of Lehigh 
Valley, Jiage 31. 



BETHLEHEM, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



141 




THE "widow's house. 

BETHLEHEM, PA. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
The Litany of the Moravian Church. — 
"Bartow's Path." — Nisky Hill. — Fried- 
enshuetten. — The Indian House. — The 
German Earns. — Teccmseh. — The Indian 
Missionary Stations. — Haidte's Painting 

OFTHE FiRStFrUITS. ScHECSSLe'S PICTURE 

OP Zeisberger Preaching to the Indians. 
— The Islands. — The Lehigh, its Fresh- 
ets and Fisheries. — A Ride on the Switch- 
back. — American Tea. — The Old Perse- 
verance AND the Fire Apparatus of 
Bethlehem. — The Hotels.. — The Streets. 
— The Old Tannery. — Social Life. — Cen- 
Bcs OF 1S70. — Powder Magazine. — Height 
OP THE Lehigh Hills. — May-day. — The 
Masonic Societies of Bethlehem. 



C] 



he first Litany that was used in the 
Renewed church of the Brethren, 
was Luther's, which was compiled by him 



from the ancient forms. This same Litany 
was used previously by the ancient Unitna 
Fralnitn, and will be found in their hymn 
book, printed in 156C. It is also to be found 
in the first hymn book of the Renewed 
church, published at Hernhut, in 1735, (for 
a translation, see the Moravian of August 3, 
1S65.) As the congregation at Hernhut be- 
gan to assume a more assured position as a 
church, it was felt that a Litany more ex- 
pressive of the special wants and freedom 
of spirit of the members of the congregation, 
ought to be substituted for, or added to the 
ancient Litany. Leonhanl Bnlcr, while 
"General Elder," was the first -to give ex- 
pression to this desire, and John do Watte- 
viUe, (Langut,) one of the moving spirits of 
the church in his day, made the first draft 
of the new Litany, under the direction and 
dictation of Zinzendorf, who is to be consid- 
ered as really the author. In its first form', 



142 



lIISTOniCAIi SKETCir OF 



as it appeared in llie appendix to the hymn 
liouk of 1742; and printed in almost the same 
form in the book of common prayer, edition 
of 1741, the evidences of Zinzendorf's style, 
and his peculiar method of expression, are 
quite perceptible; while the spirit and main 
I'orlions of Luther's Litany remain. This 
first Litany of the Renewed church, is es- 
sentially the same in arrangement and sub- 
stance as that now in use. 

" The iriiiiJcn ZflnniV, which was composed 
later, in 1744, at the commencement of the 
" time of Sifting;" is of an entirely dificrent 
character. The Litany was not altogether 
uninfluenced by the spirit which prevailed 
during that period of fanaticism, as will be 
seen by reference to the Liturgy book, edi- 
tion of 1755-57. But it also received some 
improvements at thesame time, one of which 
was the introduction of the Lord's prayer. 
The unhealthy elements were, however, 
afterwards removed from the Litany, during 
a revision of it, which took place under the 
direction of Bishop Spangenberg. The Lit- 
urgy book of 1790-3, contains the Litany as 
now used, almost vcrhatim, 

" The names of Luther, Zinzcndorf and 
Spangenberg, are connected therefore in- 
dissolubly with the history of the Litany of 
the Moravian church. Traces of the style 
and mode of expression of thought, common 
to each of those great minds, can easily be 
distinguished in this beautiful service, whilst 
■ in its general form and spirit, it is similar 
to the more ancient Litanies of the earlier 
Christian churches. In point of excellence 
and beauty, it compares very favorably with 
the L'tanyof the Episcopalchureh, to which 
it assimilates in its Catholic Spirit; its peti- 
tions for all classes of mankind, and in its 
intercessions for all the daily needs of the 
individual, and the church, and protection 
from all dangers that encompass life. In it 
the Brethren's church have an especi.nl 
treasure, beautiful and precious, and of which 
they are justly proud. The Ayn'i', " Lord 
have mercy upon us," at the opening, and 
the Agnut Dei, ' thou Lamb of God," at the 
conclusion of the Litany service, should both 



be sung, not spoken, as is the custom in the 
Moravian church in America." 

Bartow's path, frequentlj' alluded to in 
these Sketches, was a lovely walk a mile and 
more in length, along the banks of the Le- 
high Eivcr, commencing a little westward 
of where Doster's saw mill now stands, con- 
tinuing eastwardl}-, and overshadowed by 
the clilTs of" Nisky Ilill;" seats wcre])lacod 
along the path at intervals under the fine 
old trees that lined the river's edge, for the 
promenadcrs to rest upon. The walk was 
partially natural, and the remainder along 
the foot of Nisky Dill was laid out and con- 
structed by a gentlemen from Philadelphia, 
whose name it bore; and extended to the foot 
of "Jones' Ledge," from thesummitof which 
there is a magnificent view of the winding 
river, Bethlehem and its vicinity to the west. 
But this beautiful work like many others, 
has disappeared before the destructive march 
of commercial enterj)rise; it was destroyed 
by the construclionof the canal of the Lehigh ■ 
Navigation Company; the ornamental in 
this country has to give place to the useful ; 
and but lately the Lehigh and Schuylkill 
Kailroad has been cut through the eastern 
part of Nisky Ilill Cemetery, a desecration 
which might have been avoided by making 
a slight curve in the road. 

Freight and produce, to and from Phila- 
delphia, before the Lehigh Canal was con- 
structed, were carried by the way of the 
Lehigh and Delaware rivers in Durlmm boats. 
In olden times the country people called the 
canal boats, — arks. 

Situate in the southeastern part of Bethle- 
hem, overlooking the Lehigh River and 
canal. South Bethlehem and the Lehigh 
Mountains, is the famous " Nisky Hill," 
once a beautiful park, now a cemetery, a 
portion of the grounds being retained by the 
Bethlehem Congregation for the interment 
of its members, the remainder sold out or 
for sale to any who choose or buy, and raanv 
not Moravians, have availed themselves of 
the privilege of purchasing lots in this lovely 
spot, and already some ghastly monuments, 
in execrable taste, disfigure the grounds. 



E E T II I. L II E :.i, r 



N s y L V A :r i a. 



li.3 



One tomb looks like a fire pl"S, 
And another like a lounge; 
One, a large slab of marble. 
Sticking in the ground. 

These form a strange contrast to t!io old 
Moravian style of memorial stone, laid flat 
I'.pon the grave, which is rectangiilar in form, 
the stone being onlytwclve inelics in breadth, 
and eighteen inches in length. The churcli 
Diary of the Philadelphia Congregation of 
Jane 2S, 1757, gives this as the size of the 
tombstone, and says, " Et int so in Be'hlvhtm 
atis ganiaeUl." It is so made in Eethlehem. 

It ought to have been made a condition 
that all graves should have been marked :n 
the simple Moravian style, and no enclosed 
marks of ownership erected around the lots 
sold in the cemetery. 

Kisky Hill is a charming place, laid out 
with walks in goodtaste, and thickly plan ted 
with trees, some of the original forest trees 
have been preserved, and add much to the 
beauty of the grounds. The original tract 
extended down to the Lehigh Eivef, and 
along its banks for nearly half a mile, but 
the Lehigh Canal cuts off the approach to the 
river. A few years since, a long serpentine 
path, similar to the "Lover's Walk" on the 
bank of the Iludson Kiver at "West Point, 
ran along the banks of tlie canal, the entire 
length of the grounds, from which there was 
a fine %-iew of the river, and the Lehigh 
mountains to the south j but even that has 
been partially destroyed by the track of the 
Lehigh and Susquehanna Eailroad, made in 
the year 1S08. Kisky is one of the most de- 
lightful spots it is possible to conceive, in 
which to take a quiet ramble ; seats are fixed 
on the borders of the paths at intervals, on 
which to rest. On Sunday afternoons the 
walks are thronged with crowds of the young 
and old peojtle of the town, that is the only 
day on which they make it a place of resort, 
during the fine weather of the summer, the 
young ladies from the school, under the care 
of (heir teachers; and the visitors stopping 
in the town, add largely to the gay throng. 

There are some beautiful views of the sur- 
rounding country from different parts of the 



Hill, but the most attractive rif ail, is frcnr* 
the western walk, looking to the southwes; 
the Lehigh P.iver is seen in (he distance, 
winding on its course like a silver ribbon, 
with its lively islands, and in the further 
distance Iheoutlineof the mountains covered 
in summer with verdure, adds to the bcau'.y 
of the prospect. In the fall of the year, when 
the trees put on their autumnal livery, l!:o 
variegated colors of their leaves make the 
scene one of gorgeous beauty. 

In a note to p. 227, " llistory of Lchigli 
Valley," the reader is informed that A"i'«ioi 
is a Delaware Indian word, implying a 
swamp, or a wet place, in allusion to th-i 
swampy grounds at the foot of the hill. It" 
this were so, then " Kisky Hill" would be an 
anomaly; but the simple fact is, the place 
was so called by the Brethren, in remem- 
brance of the village of Sisl-i/, a settlement 
of the Bohemian Brethren in upper Lusatia. 

On the same page of the same work, it i.5 
stated that, " Along the brow of this hill was 
the Indian town of Friedenhutten, Sec." 
This statement is erroneous. Friedenshud- 
len, or " Tents of Peace," was built on the 
fiats below the hill on which the Gas Works 
of Bethlehem are now located, on the banks 
of the Manokasy. And the Lehigh Canal 
now covers a portion of the former site of 
that old Indian town, erected by the Breth- 
ren in 174G, as a temporary home for their 
Indian converts who came to Bethlehem in 
that year from Stieiomcko and other places. 
But soon finding it inconvenient to maintain 
so large an Indian congregation near the- 
town, the Brethren some months later, pur- 
chased a tract of land near the junction of 
the J/ahovJ/ creek with the Lehigh river, and 
the Indians were removed to that place, and 
the huts on the Manokasy flats torn down. 
The settlement on the Mahony was called 
Giiaclenlttietfcn, or " Tents of Grace ," and was 
deemed a more suitable residence for the In- 
dians, who could there build, plant, hunt and 
live in their own way. Their Missionary, 
John Martin Mack and some white Breth- 
ren accompanied them, laid out their town, 
and remained v.ilh them un'il the terrijlts 



144 



II I s T o i; I r A h s K i; t c ii o r 



iiinssacic on Ibc nighl of November 24th, 
1775, wln'ii the sclUoineut was allackcd and 
burned by the Bavagc Indians under the 
French, and eleven of the inhabitants, all 
while Moravians, were m>:rdcred, viz. : Gott- 
. Jeib Andreas, his wife and child, Martin 
Nitschinan and wife, Catharine Senseniaii, 
George Sugart, Christian Kabricius, Leonard 
Kuterinyer, Martin Pressor and Fredoriclc 
Lesley. The Indian congregations on the 
Mahoning and Lehigh were afterwards col- 
lected together and removed to Bethkrhem 
for protection; the number of Indian re- 
fugees soon became very large, and their 
])rcsencc very inconvenient, so in 1758, A*<ii'/i 
having been built, they were all removc<l 
to that i)laee. 

The liitlUni Iluttae, which haji been before 
described as fitualt-d <'U the west bani; ( f 
the Manokas}-, was located in what is now 
the barn-yard of Levin ./. Kraw^c, \\ hero be 
found thio suninier (1809) tlie fire-jilaee, com- 
posed of quite a number of the largo bricks, 
filch as were made for that purjiose in Ecth- 
lehom in those days, and epocinicns of which 
may yet bo seen by the curious on the en- 
tries of the first floor of the " Sister's House." 
In the first volume of the Memorials of tile 
Moravian Church, jiage 2;;0, it is stated, 
" the /«(/i'<i'i Uouac" that had been built in 
October, 1752, on the west bank of the Ma- 
nokasy, for the entertainment of visitors 
from <;nadenhuctten and elsewhere, just 
iibove the stone bridge that crosses the creek 
at Water Street. It was 52 by 40 feet, of one 
story, and of stone; and yet within those 
narrow limits *■ the above srvcntt/ who escaped" 
were domiciled. In the summer of 175C, a 
log-house, 63 by 15 feet, containing a chapel, 
besides apartments, was built due south of 
Ihc other. ® * ® It was removed in the 
early part of the present century. The 
spring that empties into the creek immedi- 
ately above the bridge, rose then in the cel- 
lar of the ** Indian Ifnmc," 

The spring referred to is a curiosity; it 
rises, or rather the water bubbles up from 
the bottom of the Manokasy into a well form- 
ed of jilanking in the bed of the creek, which 



keeps the clear cold waters of Die spring 
from mingling with the waters of the stream. 
Some good Samarilan keeps a tin cup pl.aci d 
on a ])ost near by, so that the Ihirtty travil- 
hrs may ilrink of tlio co.jling waters a:id I.o 
refreshed. 

As a specimen of the splendid barns erect- 
ed by the Germans of Pennsylvania, that i.l 
Mr. Krause, above referred to, is a fair sam- 
ple in size and color : 

These largo red barns always remind nie 
of the story about the Fairmount Engine of 
I'hiladelphia. At one of the Companj's 
meetings, preparatory for a grand parade of 
the Firemen, a discussion was entered into 
as to what color the " FAIRY" should be 
painted for the occasion. One of the meuj- 
bers, a genuine -CVio'/, aro.se and said: "Fel- 
lers, I'm willin' to paint her any color, so 
its red." 

The bodies of the Hessians who died in the 
General Hospital of the .\mcrican armv at 
Bethlehem daring the Ilevoliition, were bur- 
ied on the left hand, or south side of tlie road 
leading to Alleutown, and on the west side 
of tlio Manokasy ; the ])laco of their inter- 
ment is now partially covered by the barn 
and house of Mr. John Krause. Many re- 
mains were found while digging the founda- 
tion of the barn ; they were decently gath- 
ered up and carefully buried elsewhere. Tho 
statement made before, that these remains 
were found on tho right hand side of tho 
the road in digging tho foundation of Levin 
.1. Krausc'sbarn (a son of the venerable John 
Krause) is an error, growing out of the fact 
that the father's barn is on one side of the 
road, and the son's on the other. The re- 
mains of the American soldiers are buried 
on the riijlii hand side of the road, opposite, 
but further west. 

The Indian converts siroken of as residing 
for awhile in Bethlehem, were chiefly of tho 
Dolawarcs, or the Lenni Ltnope tribe, i. c, tlid 
" Original people," as they have always call- 
ed themselves. Tho only remnant of this 
once great and powerful tribe, whose sub- 
BCrvicnce to the Six Xationi has always bet-n 
a great mystery to all interested in the lied 



r, i: T II L E II i: m, p e n n s y l v a n i a. 



145 



men, now live at MonATiANXOWN, or New 
Fairfield, on (he river Thames, iu Upper 
Canada, seventy miles from Detroit, a place 
made memorable hy the death of the eelc- 
hratcd ,SViairi»?cChief,TrcuMSEn. shot to death 
there in flic llaltlc of the Thames hy Col. 
lUchard JI. Johnson, now deceased, late 
Vice President of IheL'nited States. Tecum- 
seh, at (he time of his death, Tvas about 4G 
years of age, six feet iu height, erect and 
lofty in his deportment, with a penetrating 
eye, and stern of visage, artful, insidious and 
bold. lie was the pride of the Indian war- 
riors of the west. 

This, and two others, are the only Mission- 
ary establishments of the Moravian Breth- 
ren among the American Indians. The Mis- 
sion was formerly under the direction of the 
Rev. Abraham Luckenbach. They worshij) 
from printed books in the Delaware Indian 
tongue, translated by that Missionary. 

I have iu my library a book, printed in 
New York in 183S, the title of which is 
" Forty-six Select Scripture Narfatiucs frovi the 
Old Testament, emhellishcd vith Enfjraviiifjs ; for 
the use of Indian YontJt. Translated into lite 
Delaware Indian hy A. Lnehenhaeh." 

The Rev. E. E. Reinko is the present Mis- 
sionary in charge of the Station. One of 
the other Indian Mission Stations is among 
the Cheroliees, at Spring Place, near Marys- 
viUe, Arkansas; and the third at New West- 
field, Kansas. A concise accouut of the past 
and present ilissions of the Moravian Breth- 
ren among the American Indians can be 
found in De Sehweinitz's Moravian ^Manual, 
(2nd Edition) page 44, &c. 

Cranlz, iu his Ilistory of the Brethren, 
says, (page SSo) "About this time, (1747) 
John, (he first fruits of, and a teacher among 
the ilahilcandcrt, departed this life. This 
gave occasion to reckon up all the first fruits 
of the heathen that were brought to Jesus 
Christ through the ministry of the Brethren, 
and, to the year 1747, were fallen asleep in 
tho faith; and to represent them in a pic- 
ture iu their natural colors, and in the dress 
of their country. They are painted as stand- 
ing before the throne of Jesus Christ with 



palms iu their hands, given to them by an 
angel, with the superscription out of the 
Revelations, Chap, xiv., 4. ' Thee were re- 
deemed from amon'j men, heituj the firnt fi ni^s.^ " 

Thenames of all the converts — heathen iu 
all parts of the world — represented iu tht^ 
picture are given, and the accouut is of much 
interest. This ancient painting is carefully 
preserved among the Church Archives at 
Bethlehem. It was the work of IIaipt, .a 
Moravian artist; a valuable relic of the oldin 
times, and of the success attending the Mo- 
ravian Missions among the heathen. 

There is now on exhibition in the Museum 
of the *' Young Men's ^Missionary Society" of 
Bethlehem, a splendid painting of" Zeisber- 
ger — the Moravian Missionary — preaching to 
the Indians," hy C. Schiisscle, of Philadel- 
phia. 

There was formerly many lovely walks 
in the vicinity of Bethlehem, on the banks 
of the Lehigh, some of which have been al- 
ready described; but nono were more at- 
tractive than the upper and lower paths on 
the south side of the river, west of tha old 
bridge ; these extended to the brook running 
down by the Water Cure Establishment, and 
emptying into the Lehigh ; and around which 
there reigned an undisturbed forest stillness. 
The spring was a favorite sj^ot near which 
to loiter on a warm summer's day; now 
it is arched over, and the hundred trains of 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad daily thunder 
over what was once the quiet haunt of tho 
old Moravians; yet the stream still trickles 
down to the Lehigh ; a few noble forest trees 
rear their heads over the small reservoir be- 
side tho tract on (he river bank; and the 
curious visitors who read about the beauties 
of the spot in days long jiast, visits in one of 
F.vn's boats the spring, to taste of its cool and 
limpid waters, hunt for the remains of the 
famous cavern, and view the ruins of what 
was once a sylvan haunt of peculiar loveli- 
ness. 

Of all the former quiet retreats around 
Bethlehem, the only one left to remind us 
of the old times, are the beautiful and fa- 
mous "Islands" in the Lehigh, a short dis- 



146 



HISTORICAL SKETCn OP 



l.incc above lln? Xorlli ronnsylvania Ilail- 
r":iJ Briilgp. There arc three Islands in the 
,':roup; llic two sriialler are seldom visited ; 
hut the larger, Catijpno hlatnl/^ is a famous 
I'lace of resort for old and young; every visi- 
tor lo Ecthlehem makes the necessary pil- 
grimage to its quiet shades, and lingers long 
Ijcnealh its grand old shady trees, wanders 
through its open glades, its sheltered coverts, 
and at last with lingering looks cast behind, 
sighs to think they must leave so much quiet 
loveliness of Xature. AVhat a hidden, quiet 
]iIaco it must have been fifty years ago, we 
can well imagine, v.hen it is so beautiful 
today, allhougli i> the north and lo the 
south the screaming whistles of the loco- 
motives, and the heavy thundering thud r{ 
laden cars, bearing the wealth of Lehigh 
Vallc3', andlhc treasures of the" Blue Hills" 
to a market, disturbs its former calm repose. 
The Island belongs to the Bethlehem con- 
gregation, and it is there that the Moravian 
schools hold their annual Pic Nic's, and 
nearly every Moravian family take their an- 
nual meal on the Island, to which their 
friends are invited, and only those who have 
attended these kindly festivals of the Breth- 
ren, can tell how pleasant they arc, or how 
dear is the remembrance of such quiet, hap- 
py, joyous hours. To the children these arc 
periods of unalloyed joy, thought of for 
weeks beforehand, and enjoyed on the 
day of the festival, with games and song, 
laughter and childish shouts of pleasure, 
mingling their happiness with the rippling 
flow of the river, and awakening the echoes 
of the hills. And the parents and friends 
must bo old indeed if they do not join 
i;i all the youthful sports, for our German 
Brethren do not look on and sigh over 
the pleasures of childhood, but enjoy the 
present while recalling the past. But the 
great event of the year is the annual PicNic 
of the Sunday Schools of the Bethlehem con- 
gregation. On that day every true hearted 
Moravian visits the Island ; it is an occasion 

•Tim numo of th" larRT THland (r properly CntaJpa, 

nrit (.'■<] V|>Ho, iukI wiiri nt rall'il liy tlio f>Iil MomvinriK, 
fioni tiw gfitt ntiiiilx-r <•( Ciitsilpii trc'W wUicli wci-o 
tUuu, oiiii Htiil uru ^ruHiug, u|>uu it. 



if innocent enjoy ment far old and young, and 
tliose who care not to play, can talk, feast, 
drink coffee, row in the boats on the river, 
or recall together with their old friends the 
past days fipent on the Island. An evening 
on the Lohigh, after a day at the Island, lia!i 
its charms, floating lazily on the river, sur- 
rounded by our friend.*, music and song 
naturally following; such are the happy mo- 
ments of life. The charms of Bethlehem's 
Islands, and the beauties of the Lehigh, a.-e 
still unsung; but the tlear remembrance of 
hours passed there are engraven on the 
memory of many with an impression that 
can never be effaced, but will remain a joy 
forever. 

The following items are copied from T.'e 
Weekhj Pn'jresn, of South Bethlehem, August 

isth, isro : 

" Tnr. Cnii.nnr.x's Fcstivai.. — On Sunday 
next, the ' Children's Choir' of the Moravian 
church, T,-ill celebrate their festival accord- 
ing to a time honored custom yearly observ- 
ed from the earliest days of Moravianism 
to the present time. Each distinct 'choir' 
of the church celebrate their festivals at dif- 
ferent periods during the year, being divid- 
ed thus : first, the ' Married Choir,' to which 
have been combined in later years the 'wid- 
ower's' and ' Widows' Choir,' ' Single Sisters' 
' Single Brethren,' ' Children's' and ' Dieners' 
— or ' Servants of the Church,' — all celebrat- 
ing their respective festivals with a 'Love 
Feast.' Several of the festival days of the 
church are being observed during the pres- 
ent month. The 'Geraein Fest,' or 'Love 
Feast', for all 'choirs' or classes of the con- 
gregation united, having been celebrated 
last Sunday afternoon preparatory to Com- 
munion services held in the evening, and at- 
tended by communicant members of the 
churchonly. KcxtSunday Ihcchildrenwill 
celebrate their love feast in the afternoon, 
and in the evening the beautiful and at- 
tractive open air exercises will be held a', 
the west end of the largo Moravian churcli 
immediately after the evening services have 
ended within the sanctuary. These open air 
services consist entirely of singingsclectiona 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



147 



i)f such anthems and hymns, which have 
hceu committed to memory by all members 
of the congregation, the officiating clergy 
merely giving out the opening lines. A full 
attendance of instrnmeutal and vocal music 
by the Moravian Church Choir is also given 
on this occasion, which renders the efl'ect 
more soul inspiring and impressive, blend- 
ing in sweet unison with hundreds of youth- 
ful voices out in the free open air of a calm 
and quiet Sabbath evening. In former years 
lighted lanterns of paper in variegated col- 
ors were strung up in front of the singers, 
which added considerably to the effect, but 
the custom has been abandoned. The sim- 
ple and beautiful ceremonies on Sunday 
evening next, should the weather prove pro- 
pitious, will be largely attended, as they 
have been in the past, bj' various denomina- 
tions within and without the limits of our 
town." 

"The Islaxd.— The 'Old Betlilchem Is- 
land,' or ' Calypso,' as it is perhaps more 
familiarly known by hundreds of visitors to 
Bethlehem, has this year been more fre- 
quently visited by Moravian families, and 
members of families of other denominations 
of this place, tlian has been the case for the 
last few years. We think no better enjoy- 
ment, for one day in theheatof summer, can 
be better appreciated, than by members of a 
family, or a group of friends congregating in 
good old i)ic nic fashion in this cool, shady 
and secluded spot. 

Above the ** Old Briclge," leading west, are 
yet to bo seen traces of a handsome walk, 
that leads along the baivks of the Lehigh 
to a fine grove of trees. The path formerly 
extended a mile or more along the stream, 
and a walk along the tow-path of the Lehigh 
Canal as far as the first lock above Bethle- 
hem, shows the visitor how beautiful the 
promenade once was, and how charming the 
f cene still is. Along the edge of the swiftly 
flowing river grow fine large tree of various 
kinds, but many of these were blown down 
in a terrific gale in the summer of 18C9. Tlie 
disastrous flood on the Lehigh, of June oth, 
1S62, brought down the river large quanti- 



ties of drift timber, trees, houses, and canal 
boats, these destroyed the walk, left by the 
erection of the canal ; wounded the fine old 
trees along the water's edge by striking and 
tearing off the bark, so that now some old 
patriarch yields to every severe gale, andl 
soon none will be left, for all were injured \ 
more or less, about twenty feet from the 
ground, and the large scars on their sides 
give evidence of internal decay. Many new 
trees had been planted to the north of tlie 
pathway, and in the grove. Seats were 
placed on the river side of the walk for the 
promenaders to rest upon, but all these were 
damaged or carried away by the flood. In 
1868, the bridge connecting the North Penu, 
as it is called, a"nd the Lehigh and Susque- 
hanna Railroads was built diagonally 
across the river, completing the destruction 
of the Path; and in the grove where the 
younger trees that had been uninjured by the 
Hood, were growing beautifully, they arc 
now landing from canal boats, sandstone 
curb-stones, and cutting them on the ground. 
It is thus all the beautiful walks around 
Bethlehem have been eradicated by com- 
bined attacks from land and water. It was 
along this path, in the river, that in former 
times were moored the pleasure boats, own- 
ed by nearly every Moravian family, each 
gaily painted and bearing on the stern some 
historic name; now few are left, except 
those of Mr. Fahs, who hires his boats out 
by the hour to such as desire to visit the 
" Islands," or row on the river. 

The Lehigh is a broad and shallow strea:u 
of clear, cold water, flowing over a rocl:v 
bed, from springs in the different spurs of 
the Blue Ridge mountains, in Luzerne coun- 
ty, near Wilksbarre, and flows one hundred 
miles to its entrance into the Delaware at 
Easton. In its xipper part it is a rapid, 
mountainous stream, with many falls; and 
like all others of a like character, is subject 
to floods after all heavy rains. The destruc- 
tive flood of June 5th, 1862, was not the first 
by any means, that caused great suffering to 
the inhabitants along its banks, and destroy- 
ed much valuable property, but it was the 



148 



11 I s T r. r r A L s k i; t c n o r 



most eevcro; at Bethlehem the water rose 
til the hoij;ht of twcnty-ono feet, ami the 
Inicknator flosvcil uj) the Manoekasy to the 
mill dam back of Iho " Eaglo Hotel;" it tore 
away one half of the norlhern portion of -the 
' OKI Bridge" over the Lehigh, and covered 
the '• Islands" with sand, logs, trees, and all 
liinds of debris, to the height of twelve or 
fifteen feet, so that it took over a year to 
clear them oQ' again; it entirely devastated 
(he upper end of Calypso Island, leaving 
only a sand bank, where once had been 
beautiful trees, waving grasses, and lovely 
wild flowers. It will bo many years before 
the slow growth of Nature restores the island 
to its pristine beauty. 

The mode of catching fish in the Lehigh 
in olden times, is thus described in the Soui!i 
Jirt/iUlitm Cuiiscrvctticc : 

"The mode of catching fish was borrow- 
ed from the Indians. The Indians ran a 
dam of stones across the stream where the 
depth would admit of it, not in a straight 
line, but in two parts, verging towards each 
other in an angle. An opening is left at the 
point in the middle for the water to run olf 
—at this oi)ening they iilace a largo box or 
basket, the bottom of which was full of holes. 
They then make a rope of wild vines, reach- 
ing across the stream, ui)on which boughs 
some feet in length were fastened at llie dis- 
tance of two fathoms from each other. Then 
a party is sent about a mile above the dam 
with this rope and appendages, which there 
begins to move gently down the current, 
some guiding the ends while others keep the 
branches from sinking by supporting the 
rope in the middle with wooden forks. Thus 
they proceed, driving the fish before them, 
while other Indians with poles and noise 
drive the fish through the opening into the 
box, where they were caught and put into 
canoes. This method of fishing was adopted 
and long contiuucii by the settlers. Slran<'- 
crs often inquire what these angular stone 
dams arc for, and few are aware that Ihoy 
are the remains of the ancient fish dams, re- 
paired time and again, by the fishermen of 
modern times. 



" Various laws were passed before the Revo- 
lutionary War, tending to the preservation 
of the fish in the Delaware and Lehigh Riv- 
ers ; one of which had a singular penally at- 
tached— in subjecting the seller of roekfish 
under twelve inches in length, to a fine and 
the forfeiture of the fish. In the early period 
of the settlement along the Lehigh, before 
the erection of dams to render it available 
for the transportation of coal to Philadelphia, 
it was the resort of shad, which found their 
wrxy from the ocean up into its fresh waters 
to deposit their spawn. 

The Lehigh in the vicinity of Bethlehem, 
has many of these fish-weirs, or fi.h-ka-rlH, 
built in different parts of the stream ; they 
arc formed by long dams built with the nu- 
merous pebble stones which form the bed cf 
the river. A lineof stones are erected diago- 
nally across the stream, from each bank, 
down the river, and converging to a point, 
in the manner described above, where the 
weir is jilacod to catch the fish; the weir 
resembles in f .rm the body of a cart, the 
hinder part up stream, and the bottom form- 
ed of lathes', placed close together, so as to ad- 
mit of the water passing freely, but retain- 
ing in it the fish. In the spring and fall 
large numbers of Buckcr, and cc?» are caught 
in these weirs. But the dams on the Lehigh 
and these fish-korps have destroyed all 
other kinds of fish; and there is nothing to 
be caught by the angler on the river, ex- 
cept some small chub and sun-fish, and an 
occasional stray trout. AVhcn Bethlehem 
was first setfed, and for many years after- 
wards, trout were i>lcnty in the Lehigh and 
Manoekasy, and in season, shad and herring 
were numerous, there was a fishery near 
the town and on the lOlhof May, 1752, for in- 
stance, 1,000 shad were caught with the 
seine. Now these kinds of fish are not to bo 
found in the river at all ; the dam at Eastou 
interrupts their upward course from the 
Delaware. The people living on the Lehigh 
ought to petition the legislature of the State 
for an Act, compelling those who have ob- 
structed the course of the stream, to put up 
schutes, slopes or steps, at the breast of every 



E E T II L E II E M, V E X N S V h V A N I A. 



140 



dam erected on the river, to facilitate the 
free passage of the fish up stream to sjiawn, 
and their return to the ocean afterwards ; 
and to remove the fish-weirs, or fish-baskets. 
Such an Act has been already passed, rela- 
tive to the Susquehanna river, since when, 
the shad, herring, and many other kinds of 
fish have returned in large numbers to that 
stream to spawn. A great many counties 
have also had protective acts passed in re- 
gard to game and fish, and it is time Lehigh 
and Northampton followed suit. 

The Act referred to, that of March l-lth, 
1860, (See Pamphlet Laws of 1866, page 3T0,) 
and its supplements, are very stringent; in 
general terms the provisions of the law are, 
that there shall be made at all dams, or 
Tveirs, or other artificial obstructions in the 
river, sluices, schutes, slopes, steps or other 
devices, for the free passage of the fish, and 
their fry up and down the stream. The 
dams are to be deemed nuisances unless the 
devices arc made, and a failure to comply 
with the conditions of the Act is to be deem- 
ed a misdemeanor and subjects the owner to 
a fine of $10,000; and it is made unlawful 
for any jierson or persons to place any fish- 
basket, fish-trap, or any like device, either 
permanent or temporary across the river, or 
to draw any seine cr net within half a mile 
of any of the sluices made for the passage of 
the fish, cither above or below the same, or 
to fish with any seine or other device for 
catching fish in numbers, within a given dis- 
tance mentioned, of the sluices or passage- 
ways over the dams, or in any manner to 
frighten the fish, or spawn, (?) or fry, or in 
any manner to prevent their passage up or 
down the stream in any part thereof, under 
the penalty of a heavy fine, of not more than 
51,000, and imprisonment not exceeding one 
year, at the option of the court. Some of the 
counties make it unlawful to fish their streams 
at certain seasons ; others to fish otherwise 
than with a hook and line; and some ]5ut a 
heavy fine on the use of poisonous bait, cast 
nets, or any other device to catch the fish in 
numbers. The right of fishery, over half a 
mile from the schutes, is not taken awav by 



Act of March 13th, ISCG, from the owners of 
real estate bordering on the Susquehanna. 

On the 16th day of April, 1S5S, an Act of 
Assembly was passed prohibiting fishing 
with giU'Uets in the river Lehigh, between 
Bethlehem and its junction with the Dela- 
ware at Easton, (See Pamphlet Laws of 185S, 
page 305.) During the session of 1869-70, I 
endeavored to get the legislature to pass a 
Eill for the protection of the fish in the Le- 
high river, for the removal of the^s7i korps, 
and the erection of sluices or fish passages 
over the dams ; but it was objected to. First, 
on the grounds that it would be impossible 
to raise fish in the Lehigh, as the sulphur 
water from the coal mines destroyed the 
fish; but as they are caught daily in the 
river that objection is evidently subsersvieiit 
to the Second: That the Lehigh Navigation 
Company would not like it. 

The cobble stones with which the "carl- 
ways" of the streets of the city of Philadel- 
phia are paved, were, and still are taken 
from the beds of the rivers Delaware and 
Lehigh, without any perceptible diminution 
of the quantities contained in them. The 
stones are rounded and water-worn into many 
curious shapes, such as geese eggs, bird's 
eggs, cannon balls, and marbles. I have 
one the size and shape of a loaf of domestic 
rye bread just out of the oven, with the 
marks of the pan, in which it was baked, 
apparently marked on it; and another in 
the form and likeness of a a jewel case, for 
which it is often mistaken, as it lies on my 
table for use as a paper weight. 

The Lehigh Canal which passes through 
the lower part of the town of Bethlehem, 
formerly connected the head waters of the 
Lehigh river, with its mouth at Easton, 
where it empties into the river Delaware, 
and by the means of dams, locks, and canals, 
navigation was open to White Haven, in 
Luzerne County, eighty-four and a half 
miles; thirty and a half miles consisted of 
pools ; thirty-nine and a quarter of canals ; 
two and a half of looks, and the remainder 
of sluices. The freshet of June 5th,lS62, de- 
stroved all the canal, most of the dams, and 



loO 



II I S T n I C A L S K i; T C TI OF 



nil llic impnivcmcnU above Mauch Chunk; 
liinl tlie canal now only extends from that 
j'lacc to Eastou. It forms a most important 
II mmunication with the coal regions of this 
hcotiou of the State, to which railroads are 
i-i.ntinued. At Lehigh Gap, where it passes 
through the Bluo Ridge, the mountains rise 
on each side of Iho river to the height of 
12tl0 feet, and the scene is very grand and 
beautiful. 

The Blue Kidge, or South Mountains, arc 
tiic eastern rangcof the Alleghanies, branch- 
ing off from the main range in North Caro- 
lina, crossing the State of Virginia and ox- 
tending to the Highlands on the Hudson 
river. Tlio Indian name of these mountains 
in Pennsylvania was the Kittocklinii;/, now 
called KlllaliiiHi/, meaning the endless moun- 
tains. The common name they now bear is 
the Kluc Mountains. 

Mauch Chunk has been called by some 
writers, " the Switzerland of Pennsylvania," 
which means that it is well worthy the visit 
• >f the tourist. The ride over the Gravity 
r.ailroad, or " the Switch-hack" as it it called, 
although there are no switch-backs on the 
Kailroad now, is one of the most exciting 
and beautiful rides in America. At the foot 
of Blount I'wrjnh, the visitors enter small 
]>assengcr cars, each holding twelve persons, 
x\ni\ the cars are drawn up the ascent by a 
stationary engine on the top of the moun- 
tain. This plauo is a formidable looking 
affair, the track seeming to be nearly pcr- 
]iendicular; it is 2,322 feet in length, with 
au elevation in that distance of filU feet. A 
tharp grade, railroad men call it. Every pre- 
caution is taken to prevent accidents; the 
train is pushed up by a snfclij car fastened 
behind it; the conductor sits on the front 
car, -where ho mans a patent safety brake. 
The safety car is made fast to two steel bands, 
each seven and a half inches wide, either 
strong enough to hold and draw the train, 
which never exceeds ten cars; should both 
bands break, tho safety car has attached to 
it two immense steel arms with sharp points, 
which, an arrangement made for the purpose 
releases from their horizontal position on tho 



side of the car, sliould it start backwa.-i'.^ 
these points would then enter the earth and 
keep the train stationary. These arms are ' 
also assisted by a rachet provided forthesa;;'.e 
jiurposc, to prevent the descent of the train 
in case it should break loo.sc. This ascent 
takes ciglit minutes. Mount Pisgah is lOOT 
feet above the bed of the Lehigh river at its 
foot. Tho view from the mountain top is 
very fine, extending on a clear day to School- 
cy's Mountains in New Jersey. From hero 
the train starts on tho gravity road, on a 
down grade of fifty feet to the mile ; after a 
swift and exhilarating ride of six miles, the 
foot of Mount Jefferson is reached. Tho 
ascending plane here is 2,0T0 feet long, over- 
coming a height of 4C2 feet. Tho train is 
again attached to a safety car, and drawn up 
to the top of the mountain, 1,144 feet above 
the Lehigh ; and after a sliort ride of a mile, 
the cars arrive at Summit Hill, a dreary- 
looking town of 7000 inhabitants, with a dis- 
mal Town Ilall, which looks like a French 
Bastile. Tlie once celebrated switcli-back 
railroad begins here, and runs through Pan- 
l!icr Creek Vuh'ci/ to the many different coal 
mines. Leaving here, the cars descend at 
the rate of 221 feet to the mile. The descent 
was formerly made by switch-back changes 
from one track to another, but now the track 
is continuous ; instead of a switch-back the 
cars arc carried around a curve by their own 
momentum. At the bottom of the Valley 
tho train generally stops long enough to 
permit tlie passengers to visit the coal 
breakers and the mines. Tlie grade of the 
track through the valley is sixty feet to the 
mile. Tlio immense mountains of useless 
coal duit fill the visitor with surprise and 
regret ; it is to be hoped that some inventive 
genius will soon suggest a mode by which 
this can be used with profit, so as to enable 
it to bo transported to a market; it is a great 
waste and loss at present, and gives a dreary 
look to tho valley where these mounds are 
piled up, killing tho trees, and causing tho 
creeks to run streams as black as ink. 
Leaving here, tho train soon reaches (he 
foot of Paulhcr Creek Plane Xo. 2, 2.0."0 feet 



E E T II L E 11 E JI, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



151 



in length, with an elevation of 250 feet; be- 
ing drawn up this, the cars go several miles 
further by gravity, through mining villages, 
and past mounds of coal dust to Pniither 
Creek Plane Ko. 1, in length 2,436 feet, with 
an elevation to be overcome of STo feet. Af- 
ter ascending this plane, the train arrives 
again at Summit Hill, having made a circuit 
of eight miles. It was near here that coal 
was first discovered by a man named Gu.n- 
TiiEH, in 1701 ; and it was also here that the 
first mine was worked by (he Lehigh Coal 
and Navigation Company. They supplied 
the market ■without opposition till 1847. 
From Summit Hill the ears run by gravity 
nine miles back to Mauch Chunk, without 
any stoppage; that distance has been madein 
thirteen minutes. The cars descending on 
an acquiring impulse of a down grade, aver- 
aging ninety-six feet to the mile. The train, 
however, seldom makes the distance in less 
than thirty minutes, giving the passengers 
time to enjoy the beautiful distant views, 
and magnificent scenery all along the route. 
One of the coal mines near Panther Creek 
Valley, has been on fire now for over thirty 
years, and all efforts to extinguish it have 
failed. As an eifort of engineering skill the 
planes are unsurpassed, but I am at a loss to 
understand why the fact that the ears de- 
scending the grades by the impulse of their 
own weight, or in other words, run down hill 
rapidly, is considered so very wonderful a 
feat. The ride, however, up the planes, 
down the grades, over the mountains, and 
through the coal regions, is one no visitor to 
Bethlehem should miss; the trip can be 
made in a day without fatigue, leaving that 
place at seven and a half A. m., and returning 
at six r. jr. to supper, which will be very 
heartily enjoyed, and the day's trip will be an 
episode in the most adventurous life. A few 
3'oars more and all this cannot be seen or en- 
joj-ed, as it is the intention of the Company 
to cut a tunnel through the mountain ; it will 
be 3,000 feet in length, and the work has al- 
ready been commenced. 

The Moravian, in its issue of January 20th, 
1£70, had the following interesting item. 



" The Slntiiigton Kcira reports the re-discov- 
ery of a valuable mineral spring, about a 
mile from Lehigh Gap, and four miles from 
Slatington. The spring was known to the 
Moravians at GnadcnhUtten a hundred years 
ago, and the water was hauled to Philadel- 
phia at one time, to cure an epidemic which 
was then raging in that city. Dr. II. 0. "Wil- 
son, by means of an old draft, succeeded in 
again finding the spring, which had been 
quite covered with stones and carlh. The 
spring is marked on (he original map of the 
Province of Pennsylvania, made by Nieho- 
fas Scull, Surveyor General, in the year 1750. 
Dr. Franklin mentions having camped at 
this spring on his way to Fort Allen. The 
plot of the property on which it is situated, 
contains a certificate from Thos. C. Jame.-, 
dated Philadelphia, February 24th, 180G, in 
which the statement is made that the water 
is "a pure Chalybeate, the iron being held 
in solution by carbonic acid and fixed air.' " 

In the first volume of the "Memorials of 
the Moravian Church," issued at Philadel- 
phia, in 1870, at page 30 it is stated that, 
" This spring was visited as early as 1746, by 
the Brethren, and its waters bottled by them 
for the use of invalids in Philadelphia." 

One evening, in the latter part of August, 
1863, we had on the supper-table at the 
Eagle Hotel, in Bethlehem, an infusion of 
" Amcnctxn tea." This tea was made from 
the leaves of a plant, or shrub, which is in- 
digenous on the mountain's side, in the 
vicinity of the town, and in other parts of 
the State; it has been sometimes called 
"JTew Jersey tea," and was so named when 
used during the Revolutionary War of 1770, 
as a substitute for the Chinese tea, which 
was then an expensive luxury; it is still 
used by many persons in the country, who 
consider it quite equal to the imported arti- 
cle. I am informed that it is prepared in 
Massachusetts in large quantities, and sold 
to whaling ships; it consists, however, only 
of the dried leaves, which are not properlv 
prepared. The botanical name of this plant 
is Ccanothus Americanns, 

The tea which we drank was, however, 



1.12 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



liiado secundum arteui, in the true Chinese 
ttvio; that being tlieonly wa\' in which the 
real virtues of the leaf can bo retained in 
perfection. It had all the appearance, taste, 
r.nd aroma of the finest imported tea, with 
the exception of a slight hcrby flavor, in 
oonscqiicnoe of its newness, not being quite 
three weeks old. This peculiarity, we were 
informed, would leave it when it acquired 
age. 

A choice sample of this tea was deposited 
in the Museum of the " Young Men's Mis- 
sionary Society," in Bethlehem, for preserva- 
tion, as a specimen of the first and finest 
American Tea ever manufactured. 

This tea was made by Dr. Spencer Bonsall 
in the early jiart of August, 1SC3, at a place 
called " China," in the mountains, near Lock 
Haven, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, un- 
der the auspices of the "American Tea Com- 
pany," incorporated by an Act of Assembly 
of this Commonwealth, of April 1-lth, 18C.3, 
which had for its object the cultivation and I 
manufacture of tea on an extensive scale. 
At the time the tea manufactured was made, 
I-'r. Bonsall was the Chief Superintendent of 
t Jat company, but the undertaking was not 
successful. That gentleman was for several 
years engaged in the manufacture of tea in 
the Valley of Assam, situated fo the west of 
the Province of Yaniian, in China; and on 
his return to this country, he wrote an in- 
teresting article on the subject, which was 
published in the Agricultural Report of the 
United States Patent Ofljce, for the year ISCO. 

Prominent among the ancient relics and 
curiosities, so abundant in Bethlehem, there 
is one of which the citizens are very proud. 
It is the " Old Perseverance Hand Fire Enrjine," 
which is preserved, very properly, with 
much care. It is one of the oldest appara- 
tus of the kind in this country, having 
been built in London, by Brooks, in the year 
1C98, and was purchased there by Captain 
Christian Jacobson for the " American Mo- 
ravian Society," for the sum of £77 12«. 2(7., 
and brought by him to America at an ex- 
pense of £C 18». Zd., and delivered in Bethle- 
hem Decembei 10th, 1763. It is not, how- 



ever, the oldest hand engine in the I'nited 
States, for the " Fellowship Sham Fire Engine 
Company" of Philadelphia, have on old Hand 
Fire Engine, six feet long, and five and a 
half feet high to the topof the gallery, which 
runs on wooden wheels, and can throw a 
stream of water through a three-quarter inch 
nozzle, one hundred and fifteen feet high. It 
was made in London, by Ham k Pvag, in the 
year 1094, and is, therefore, four years older 
than the Old Perseverance. Xor was the 
Perseverance the first Hand engine import- 
ed into the United States; for the City Coun- 
cils,of Philadelphia, imported two Hand En- 
gines from London in 1730, where they were 
first invented in IfifiS. And previously, on 
14th of December, 1719, the city purchased 
from Abraham Bickley, a Fire Engine, which 
was also, no doubt, imported from England. 
See Wescott's History of Philadelphia, Chap- 
ter C6, Suudatj Uispaleh of Ajiril 5lh, 1SG8. 

The Perseverance Fire Engine Comi)any, 
No. 1, of Bethlehem, was re-organized in 
1848. They have also a fine Hand Fire En- 
gine, made by Agnew, of Philadelphia, and 
an excellent Hose Carriage. 

The first hose used in Bethlehem was 
made of hemp, and was brought from Ger- 
many, in 1818. The first leather hose was 
purchased by the Reliance Fire Company, 
No. 3, in 1S3S; this latter company had the 
first Hose Carriage in the town. The only 
other Fire Company is the " Diligent Steam 
Fire Engine Company, No. 2." 

There is also in the town a handsome 
Hook and Ladder Company, called "The 
Niskey." 

The Borough authorities own all these 
difiTerent fire apparatus but one. 

Bethlehem is well supplied with Hotels, 
of which the " Sun," and " Eagle" have al- 
ready been described; there still remains 
unnoticed the "American," situated at the 
north-east corner of Broad and New Streets, 
the highest elevation in the town. It is a 
fine large building, formerly a private house, 
hut with very extensive back buildings now 
added to it; its rooms are quite large and 
airy, and the view of the surrounding eouu- 



BETIILEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



153 



try from the windows of the upper stories of 
the house is very fine; from them the entire 
range of the Blue Mountains is distinctly 
visible. The scene from the top of the 
house, at sunset, on a summer's evening, 
presents a panorama of exceeding beauty. 

The " Union Hotel" is situated one square 
further east, at the north-east corner of Broad 
and Centre Streets. It is a fine, large house, 
and seems to he the resort of the people from 
the surrounding country, whilst on their 
visits to the town ; in fact, a veritable coun- 
try tavern, in all its outward surroundings. 

The " Pennsylvania Hotel" is a large brick 
building, on the banks of the Lehigh Canal, 
in what was formerly called " Old South 
Bethlehem," in Lehigh County; the road in 
front of the house runs along the banks of 
the Lehigh, and leads to the old Bethlehem 
bridge, over which all travel passes to reach 
the " Union Depot" of the " North Penn and 
Lehigh Valley Railroads." 

There is also a good House kept by Mr. 
John Schilling, in the north-western part of 
the town, attached to which there is a fine 
Lager Beer Brewery, and if you wish to 
taste that article in all its i^urity, you must 
go to "Schilling's." 

There are several Restaurants and Ice 
Cream Saloons in the town, which do quite 
a large local business. " Rauch's" is the 
favorite resort of all strangers and people of 
the town who desire to enjoy Ice Cream and 
cakes. It was in this House that Lafayette 
lived whilst in Bethlehem. In the saloon 
there is a small fountain, whose marble ba- 
sin is surrounded always by flowers, kept 
fresh by the falling spray of the flowing 
stream, which is continually thrown up; it 
is a tasty little afl'air, and attracts universal 
attention and admiration. Mr. Ambroise II. 
Ranch, the owner of this large confectionary 
establishment, resides in a fine old mansion 
on Market Street near Main; attached to 
which he lias a handsome conservatory fill- 
ed with rare and beautiful flowers and plants. 
And although tliere are many fine, large 
stores of all kinds in the town, where all the 
necessary comforts and luxuries of life can 



be obtained, there are no market houses, 
either public or private, in the place, and 
the inhabitants are compelled to buy their 
meats from the butcher wagons that drive 
around each day, and their poultry, butter 
and eggs from tlie farmers, or from the 
stores, where such things are taken in trade, 
as is usual in our country towns. There are 
some small " Provision stores," where veg- 
etables only are sold. The town does not 
need market houses so much as provision 
stores where everything necessary for the 
table could be kept for sale. The expenses 
of living in Betlilehem, before the Rebellion, 
were very moderate; but for the last few 
years they have been nearly equal to those of 
a city life. 

The streets of Bethlehem are lighted by 
gas, but the lights are extinguished at ten 
o'clock, p. M., a capital arrangement for 
thieves of all kinds. Until quite recently it 
was the boast of Bethlehemites, that they 
never had more than one Walchmaii in the 
town at a time; those halcyon days are, 
alas 1 no more ; the town has been divided 
into 'Wards ; they have now a High Consta- 
ble and several Policemen, whose presence 
seem to excite in the unruly a desire to keep 
them employed. In old times in this ancient 
borough, " the night-watch patrolled the 
town with a ejienr in his hand ;" this contin- 
ued till about the year 1804 or 1805. Rose 
was then the Watchman, wlio on leaving his 
beat in the morning, called, "Ikr Clock hat 
Sechs Schlar;," i. c, Die Glocke hat 6 geschla- 
gen ! Brother Rose superceded Brother Stolz 
in 1801, as Watchman." 

The streets were lighted at nights with 
lamps before the year 1800, and so continu- 
ed to be until Thursday evening, July 13th 
1854, when they were first lighted with gas. 
The expense of lighting with lamps was 
borne and paid by private subscription. The 
lights were put out at ten o'clock, as they 
still are. Each housekeeper had then, and 
still has, a lantern for use on dark nights. 

There are some queer old streets in the 
town, that branch off from the main thor- 
oughfares at an angle, winding around the 



ir.4 



11 I S T II I C A I. SKETCH OF 



hill-Biilc, aii.l •iidiug very abruptly agaiust 
it, or turn olV by some unexpected outlet into 
luiothcr wiudiiig elrcul or rood, or by-palU. 
Those streets were once evidently foot-paths 
ill the earlier days of the settlement, and arc 
(U the western declivity of the hill on which 
tlie town is built, and nearly all lead down 
to the Manokasy. There are many pleasant 
old "short-cuts," or by-paths in other parts 
of the town. Market Street used to end at 
JuUn Oertcr't house, thence east a lano ex- 
tended, on both sides of which very large np- 
jdc trees were growing. Church Street for- 
merly ended at the " Sister's House ;" and 
from there a lane called the " Sister's lane" 
extended eastwardly to J!uih'n farm ; on both 
sides of this lane cherry trees were jilanted, 
which bore excellent fruit. Fruit trees of all 
sorts were more plentiful in those good old 
times than at present. Apple and cherry 
trees ,';re indigenous to America. 

Water Street -was so swampy when the 
Tiiiincr'a Iloufc was about to he erected, that 
it was necessary to lay large logs of wood on 
the surface, then stones, and earth on top of 
these, to form a firm sub-stratum on which 
to build the foundation walls; these were 
six feet thick, and immense labor was re- 
([Uired to complete the building. The whole 
vicinity then being a swampy wilderness, 
full of large rocks, brush and trees, amongst 
which the wild rosegrew in grcatabundancc, 
a-d the "Cats-tails" so much used in mak- 
ing beds, in profusion. 

The splendid old willow trees, formerly 
crowing near the Old Stone Briilge on the 
Manokas}', were cut down in January, 1SJ5, 
t.imake way for the- new stone one erected 
during that year. 

In oUlen times the inhabitants of Bethle- 
hem were early risers, as many of them still 
are, they took breakfast at six o'clock, and 
as they then all worked together, they were 
summoned to their meals by the church bell; 
at nine o'clock they had their makc-jmtcc, a 
li<'ht repast of Moravian cake and beer, on 
the principle of our lumh. The dinner hour 
was, and still is, twelve o'clock m. At two 
o'clock r. M., " Veajacr," cake and coffee. At 



six r. M., supper. These customs arc not yet 
abandoned by nil the Moravians. 

The census of 1S70 having been complet- 
ed, gives the population of Bethlehem and 
its suburbs as follows : 

Bethlehem, 4,0:2 

South Bethlehem, .... 3,5j6 
Old South Bethlehem and West 

Bethlehem, fOO 

«IIottlesville, 200 

Outside borough limits of South 

Bethlehem, -IJO 

Total, 0,008 

The Old Water Works, illustrated and 
mentioned before, were used during the 
Bevolutionary War as a powder magazine 
for the American Army. 

The Lehigh Hills, where the Old Bhila- 
delphia road crosses the mfluntains, is 430 
feet above low water mark on the Lehigh 
River. The highest point of the mountain 
is 700 feet above low water mark of the river. 
The Canal level is 200 feet above the sea; 
and Market Street, at the corner of Xew 
Street, is 110 feet above the Canal. 

Bishop DeScliweinitz, in his "Life ami 
Times of David Zeisberger," in the glossary 
says, "the Indian name of Bethlehem was 
Mcna-tjadi-aueiil- ; of the Lehigh River, Lcch- 
au-wecl;; of Nazareth, ]Vcla-ija-m{l.a." See 
also Hcckwclder's Indian names in the 
Bulletin of the Historical Society cf P., 
1 vol., 121. 

Among the days formerly celebrated and 
made a holiday of in Bethlehem, was "May 
Day ;" but of late years the weather has 
been unsuitable for out-door enjoyment; this 
year, however, the weather was so delight- 
ful on the first of the montli of llowers, that 
the Editor of the Morarian thus grieves "for 
the good old days of Adam and of Eve." 

" It has been many a year since we have 
had such delightful weather at this season 
as during the past three weeks. ' May Day' 

* Ilottlcavillo is a new ttivm tlint i» springin^-upjact 
oiitshlo of the iiortl.irn limits of lli« old l...rough of 
liitlil.Iicm ; from tlio Nnzarith ronil wcstwaril, lo tho 
road 1. adiug to IJHth. I'rououoccd Bass by llie coun- 
tiy folks. 



BETHLEnEJI, PENNSYLVANIA. 



15 



has got to be one of the things of the past, 
an imaginary season of tlowers, warm ver- 
nal airs and sunshine, on which the young 
people kept holiday, and chose their queen, 
and had a procession. This year the boys 
and girls might have celebrated it without 
any risk of catching colds or making them- 
selves ridiculous. Bethlehem used to have 
such a spring-flower festival, — a good many 
years ago it was, and many of the flower- 
crowned girls are now substantial matrons, 
with boys and girls of their own old enough 
to go maying, and the grass has been grow- 
ing for many a year over the graves of oth- 
ers. But alas! with our railroads and mis- 
cellaneous other * improvements,' the old vil- 
l.age has grown into a miniature city, and 
who thinks of ' May Day' now?" 

In the Chapel of the Young Ladies' Semi- 
nary, I noticed this summer at the entertain- 
ment, that the bellows of the organ were 
blown by tmter jtower, the machinery being 
the invention of the Principal, the Rev. 
Francis Wolle; and I noticed also that the 
organist was a very handsome woman. She 
is a "Single Sister," from Salem, North 
Carolina, I believ ;. 

The following Masonic Societies hold their 
regular meetings at the Masonic Hall, in 
Bethlehem, Pa. 

A. L. iS70, 
BETHLEHEM LODGE, 
No. 2Sa, A. Y. M. 
Meets Wednesday, on or before Full Moon. 



OFFICERS. 

Bro. Morris A. Borhek, "W. JI. 
" Homer Stanley Goodwin, S. AV. 
" Allen J. Lawall, J. W. 
" Marcus C. Fetter, Treasurer. 
" Bernhard E. Lehman, Seo'y. 

PAST JfASTEnS, 
S.arauel Wetherill, C. M. Knauss, 
Nathan Bartletfc, Marcus C. Fetter, 

Jesse H. Morgan, Bernhard E. Lehman 
Ernst F. Bleck, Abraham Stout, M. D., 

Richard W. Lelbert, Adolph Couradl, 
Louis F. Beckcl. 

Constituted 1854. 



A. I. 2400. 
ZIXZENDORF CHAPTER. 

No. 210, n. R. A. M. 
Meets Second Monday of each Month. 



OFFICERS. 
Comp. A. N. Leinbach, M. E. H. P.; 
"■ C. C. Tombler, King; 
" H. A. Wiltberger, Scribe; 
" C. M. Knauss, Treasurer; 
" Bernhard E. Lehman, Secretary. 



PAST Ilinil PRIESTS. 
Jesse H. Morgan, Bernhard E. Lehman. 

CONSTITUTF.n 1SG8. 



AS^JO DDP. 2,s70. 

BETHLEHEM COUNCIL. 

No. 36, R. S. E. and S. M. 

Meets First Thursday in each Month. 



OFFICERS. 

111. Comp. R. W. Lelbert, T. I. 0. M.; 
•' M. C. Fetter, D. I. G. M. ; 

" Jesse II. Morgan, P. C. of W. ; 

" C. M. Knauss, G. M. of Exch. ; 

" Theodore F. Levers, Recorder. 

PAST T. I. a. 31.,' 

Bernhard E. Lehman. 

Constituted 1SC8. 

The town of Bethlehem was formerly 
within the limits of Bucks County ; and on 
the 10th of March, 1746, the Inhabitants pre- 
sented a petition to the court for the forma- 
tion of a township, which was granted ; al- 
though It was not surveyed and laid out 
until the j-car 1762. When it was done by 
Georgc GiiLKowsKV. The names of the pe- 
titioners were Natiivniei. Seidel, Henry 
Antes, Joun Brownfield, Samuel Powell, 
Matthias Weiss, John Okelt, Frederick 
Cammerhoff, Georch Neisser, Christopher 
PvRLETJS, James Burnside, Joseph Powell, 
Jasper Payne and Josep:i Spangenberg. 

After the dissolution of the "iEconomy," 
In 1762, lots in Bethlehem were sold to the 
following individuals, each of whom erected 
dwellings thereon for the use of their famil- 
ies, vi'.; : 



156 



IIISTOr. ICAL SKETCH OF 



Andrew EoRHKCK, Weaver; William lio.:ii- 
LEK, Wheelwright; Ludwig Uuebneu, Potter; 
Dasiel Ku.NKLKii, Shopkeeper; G EOBOE Shind- 
LER Carpenter; Fkancis Thomas, Joiner; 
Dehalt Kok.nmax, Skiudresser. 



Some of the houses already erected by the 
Society, were also sold, IIenry Kkacse, 
Butcher, and Gottlieb Lasoe, Saddler, and 
some others, each purchased a house. 



EETnLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



15 




THE SINGLE BKETDKEN S HOUSE.- 

BETHLEnEM, PA. 



-1SI4. 



CHA.PTER XV. 
Music in Bethlehem. 

^ HE illustration at the head of this chap- 
ter, presents a view of the "Single 
Brethren's House," as it appeared previous to 
the erection of the adjoining buildings, to 
the east and west, which now detract from 
its ancient appearance. It was made from 
a drawing especially executed for this work, 
by my brother, William Martin, Jr. Origi- 
nally, the two entrance doors were put in 
the centre of the building ; because one-half 
cf the house, (the eastern,) was intended for 
the "Single Brethren," and the other half, 
(the western,) for the " Single Sisters." On 
the marble slab indicated over the doors, 
were the words : 

" Vater Mutter und Licher Mail 
Eabt Freud an unaerm Junglings plan," 

"Father and Mother and Worthy Man, 
Take pleasure in our Youthful plan." 



The inscription was put there when the 
house was erected in 1784. When it was 
plastered over is not known. The porch was 
taken away, and the doors changed to their 
presentposition about 1814, so say Jedidiah 
Weiss and Charles Schneller, twoof the oldest 
inhabitants of Bethlehem. To the west ot 
the Brethren's House, there was a one-story 
stone building, used as a Hatter's Shop. 

In wandering about the town of Bethle- 
hem during a summer evening, the visitor 
to the place, is surprised, to hear the sound 
of a pianoor some other musical instrument, 
issuing from nearly every house, no matter 
how unpretending its external appearance. 
The inhabitants say, however, that there is 
not as much attention given to music now 
as in former times, although it is still taught 
in all the schools. 

Mr. Rufus A. Grider, who may be justly 
styled one of the antiquarians of Be'hlehem, 



IIISTOIIICAL SKKTCII OF 



has a f.nc collection of views of tlio town, 
twenty in number; also, views of many of 
the oUI buildings, and the plans upon which 
thoy were erected; all full of interest. Being 
an artist of no mean merit, his pencil and 
brush have enriched the collection with 
views, taken in the streets of the town, and 
in the vicinity. His journals are full of in- 
teresting records of past events; and he has 
a valuable accumulation of poetry, both in 
German and English, descriptive of life and 
events in the history of liethlehem. Free 
use has been made in this work of Mr. Gri- 
der's ancient treasures, by his kind permis- 
sion; and from his "Historical Sketches of 
Music in Bethlehem," written in 1870, at 
my request, for this history, the copious ex- 
tracts have been made which compose this 
chapter. The beautiful and quaint language 
needs no apology, but his sketches are en- 
titled to the highest praise. 

Mr. Grider has been connected with tlie 
church and concert choir at Bethlehem for 
more than twenty-five years, having been 
in former years the leading tenor, and a per- 
former on one of the flutes in the orchestra, 
and is therefore, entirely competent to speak 
on the subject about which he writes. 

In a sketch written in 1854, Mr. Grider 
states that : 

" Bethlehem was perhaps, the most musi- 
cal of all the Moravian Congregations in 
America, in proportion to its inhabitants. 
There was no place in the United States that 
could compare to it. Music was one of the 
institutions which gave character to the 
town, afforded intellectual amusement and 
pleasure, both to the performers and hearers ; 
the children imbibed the spirit, and the in- 
fluence of it could be distinctly seen in the 
i-nhabitants. 

"The Brethren's House was the great 
nursery where the males received their edu- 
cation, and although kept very strict in many 
things; in music full scope was given, and 
was indulged in by both young and old ; and 
if ever democratic principles were practised, 
it was in the Moravian towns ; all were alike, 
respect was paid to the oftice aud not to the 



man. The Bishops of the Moravians were 
nearly all musicians, and many of the Minis- 
ters took their part therein, frequently play- 
ing the first violin in the orchestra. The 
musical performances were cither in church 
or concert music, but one was distinct from 
the other. 

" In the Brethren's House, and the 'Sis- 
ters,' music was the principal amusement. 
The Single Brethren had music every even- 
ing, the married people went there to enjoy 
it, and to assist in the performances. 

" As an evidence of the love of music, and 
the simplicity of the early Moravians, it is 
recorded in the Church Diary of July 8, ITS'!, 
that, 'Our musicians of the church choir, 
performing hymn tunes, accompanied the 
harvesters as far as the river, on their way 
to cut the rye on the new farm, which was 
put under cultivation last fall near the 
CroKn ; as the weather was fine, all who 
could assist, repaired to the fields, men, wo- 
men and children.' " 

In his later and more extensive work, en- 
titled, " Music in Bethlehem," written in 
1S70, Mr. Grider thus discourses at large : 

" It is not known when music in an or- 
ganized manner was first performed here. It 
is recorded that instruments were used by the 
Moravians in Bethlehem in their religious 
services, in 1743, and that the noted Indian 
chief Ttchoop, was buried amidst strains of 
music, in 174G. An attack by Indians was 
unintentionalh' averted about 1755, by play- 
in" a dirge on the trombones, the Indians 
supposing it meant an alarm. Thus, music 
may jiossibly have saved the town, and the 
lives of its inhabitants. 

" Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to his 
wife in 1750, says, that he heard very fine 
music in the church ; that ' ilutes, oboes, 
French-horns and trumpets, accompanied 
the organ.' Hence, we may infer that music 
formed, previous to his visit, an essenlia! 
part of Divine worship and social entertain- 
ment, and was cultivated to a great extent 
by a well organized body of musicians. 

"The first organ was obtained when the 
present chapel was built, in 1751. 



BETnLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



150 



" The first orcliestra performers, whose 
names are known to us, existed in 1780 : — 
Key. Emanuel Nitscbma.v, Zeac/ei-/Rev. Jaoob 
y AH XhECK, 1st violin ; Abraham LeVerixg, 
Matthias Witke, 2d violin ; Frededick Beck,* 
viola; David AVeixland, Joseph Till, riulcn- 
cello's ; AVm. Lembke, Tobias Beckel, French- 
horns ; Samuel Bader, Joseph 0ERTER,_/7ii(es; 
Datid Weinland, Tobias Boeckel, (ni»/ye(«y 
James Hall and Frederick Boeckel, uloes. 

"In 1795, a select party, consisting of Eev. 
John Feperick Frueauff, lal violin / George 
Fredk. Boeckel, 2(irf violin; John George 
Weiss, viola, and David AVeinland, violen- 
cello, constituted an organization for per- 
forming Jos. 3aydn'a Quartettes, then quite 
new. It will be perceived that the music of 
that period, though lacking the variety ex- 
isting at the present day, included all the 
instruments then used by European orches- 
tras. The trombone, double bass, fagotto or 
bassoon and clarinet, not having been gene- 
rally introduced. It can be truly said that 
instrumental music here, has kept pace with 
that in Europe; the various new instruments 
being introduced as soon as used in the lat- 
ter country. 

"As constant accessions were made to the 
colony from Europe, the same statement is 
true as to compositions; no opportunity was 
neglected to obtain all the newest music 
which the Brethren in Europe possessed It 
i3 known that the Rev. Emanuel Nitschman, 
when he came from Europe, brought the first 
copies of Haytln's Quartettes and Symphonies. 
It is said that Joseph Haydn, if not directly, 
was at least, indirectly, in communication 
with the musiciansof Ihisplace. John Aster, 
born in Frcderictrop, Montgomery Co., Pa., 
where the Moravians had a preaching sta- 
tion, was apprenticed to a wheelwright in 
Bethlehem; being a youth possessing much 
talent, he devoted himself also to the study 
of music; performing on all the stringed 
instruments ; he also studied it as a science. 
The Musical Library contains fourteen of his 
compositions. He was a skilful workman 
also, and partially supplied the then existing 
want of instruments, by constructing a viola, 



violin and violincello; they were used ai 
Christiun-Spring. The viola with his name 
inscribed on it, still exists at Nazareth, and 
the latter is now in the church at Bethlehem. 
Having gone to Europe, he was sent out as 
a missio'uary to Egypt, where the Turko 
punished him with the Bastinado, from the 
etlects of which he never entirely recovered ; 
while laid up in that country, he consoled 
himself by composing quartettes ; when con- 
valescent, he returned to Europe. In Vienna 
Antes made theacquainlance of Uaydn, who, 
together with other musicians, performed 
his compositions. 

"In the year ISOI), Federick EouRGn.v, a 
new-comer, and a performer, brought with 
him the first bassoon. In ISOG, a double bass 
was added, it cost sixty-eight dollars, it was 
paid for partly by a donation from the 
church funds, and by proceeds obtained at 
a benefit concert. The Eev. John C. Beckler 
performed on it the first time, but as he re- 
sided at Naaareth, Jacob Wolle, one of the 
violiucellists, became the player; who, after 
having perfromed on that instrument, both 
at concert and in the church, for a jieriod of 
fifty-seven years, was called homo in 1SG3. 

•' Haydn's greatest work, the Crer.iion, was 
obtained in ISIO, and partially performed in 
ISll. It is believed that was prior to its 
performance in any other part of the Unitetl 
States. This was the ease also with his .Sea- 
sons, the Song of the Sell, the Seven Sleepers, 
Paradise and the Peri, and other German 
compositions. The copies of the Creation 
were made in 1810, from the score, by John 
Federick Peter, and are still preserved. 
When the piece was first performed here, the 
orchestra was thus constituted: Ut violins, 
David Moritz Michael, Leader, JoiinFreder- 
ICK Peter; 2nd violins, JonN Christian Till, 
John Frederick Rauch ; viola, William Bea- 
ler; violincello, David Weinland; contra-hae^, 
Jacob Wolle; Jluies, Joseph Oerter, J. F. 
BouRQum; c?an'iicf, JoBxRiCKSECKER;6ns«ooM, 
J. Samuel Krause; horns, Joseph Till, 
Daniel Kliest; oboe, James IIali.; trvmpet, 
Frederick Boeckel. Soon thereafter, were 
added as new members, Jedidiah and limo- 



160 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



Ihy Weiss, Charles F. Beckcl, Jacob C. Till, 
George Fettcr,Christian F. Luck, and others. 

"Tho separation of the sexes was a dis- 
tinguishing feature in Moravian Congrega- 
tions, until about tho beginning of the pres- 
ent century. Wo now regard it as an error. 
Its effects upon music were such, that no 
vocal performances could take place in the 
concert room, e.\cept those in which male 
voices alone took part, until its abolishment. 
It exercised considerable restraint even upon 
the performance of church music, since the 
female singers were required to occupy tlie 
northern part of the church, the present 
chajiel; while the male performers gathereil 
around and in the rear of the organ in tlie 
gallery, situated at the southern end. 

"From existing printed and written 
psalms and music, used on festal occasions, 
dating from 17C8 to 1705, it f6 evident that 
two d.uire of singers existed, a male and a 
female, each complete in itself. Some pieces 
were sung by the first, others, entirely by 
tlic latter; in some compositions they were 
made to respond to each other. 

" The building of the new church in 1803, 
ended this cxelusivencss. It was no longer 
deemed imjiropcr for Sisters to sing at con- 
certs. At first, the married a'.one were al- 
lowed to sing solos, but in time these gave 
way to the Single Sisters. 

" While the former strict rules were in 
force, the Single Sisters had in their house, 
for many years, a complete string quartette, 
consisting of first and second violin, viola 
and violincello. The performers were mem- 
bers of their own choir, they performed for 
their own amusement, and assisted at the 
music in. their own Prayer Ilall. 

•' The sources from which the young peo- 
]>le received their musical knowledge, were, 
the Boarding School for Females, the Sister's 
House and the Single Brethren's House. 
Instruction was generally imparted free of 
charge. Talent was sought for, and when 
found, was developed. Persons who prac- 
tised music were looked upon as servants of 
tho church ; every one was expected to assist 
in performances, whenever called upon to do 
so, by the director of church music. 



" Piactisiiiiji were first held in the Breth- 
ren's House; after it was abolished as an in- 
stitution of the church in 181-t, they were 
held in the large room in the west end of the 
new church, now used for keeping the ar- 
chives of the church. lu 1824 they were 
removed to the present dwelling of the 
Principal of the Moravian Day School ; after 
that place was required for school purposes, 
they were moved to the old chapel; at pres- 
ent they are held in the hall of the Moravian 
Day School. 

" W/iil-Miniilat/ has over been held a holi- 
day in this community. It became the 
anniversary day of the '• Philharmonic So- 
ciety" in this manner ; among the accessions 
to the colony, was a professor of music, a 
member of the church, named David Mokitz 
M;iiiAi:i. ; he was a lirlinjgu ou the violin, and 
performed wc'.l on the French horn, clarinet 
and other instruments. The young players 
all took lessons of him, and were greatly 
bcncfiUed. He was a composer also, noted 
more j'articularly for compositions for wind 
instruments, then in vogue, called Puithkn 
or Harmony Music, composed for five or six 
instruments, generally two clarinets, two 
French liorns and two bassoons. Such music 
was generally performed in concerts from 
the balustrade on topof the Brethren's House, 
on week day evenings, in the summer, for 
the cutertaiument of the town's people. 

" One of these comjjositions was especially 
composed by the professor for a diversion on 
the river on Vv'hit-Monday afternoon, when 
the who'e population could enjoy it. This 
was called, *'/>/*; WunHcrfurtJi" or the Jiout 
IliJc. The idea was practically carried out 
for a number of years, and resulted in mak- 
ing it the musical day of the year. 

"The inhabitants assembled on tho river 
bank, west of the old bridge, about 1 o'clock, 
P. M., a large flat bottomed boat orjlal, pro- 
pelled by four men with long poles, and 
provided with seats and music stands, re- 
ceived the musicians. A procession was 
formed by those who intended to participate 
in the pleasures of the occasion. When all 
was in readiness, the boat started, the music 
began; the party moved U]) the Lehigh, ae- 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



161 



companied by hundreds of listeners, enjoy- 
ing the music, social concourse and delight- 
ful prospect. The scenes on that partof the 
Lehigh were truly beautiful ; the banks were 
studded with buttouwood, oak, hickory, 
water-birch, and other trees whose graceful 
branches extended beyond, and dipped into 
the silent stream. Islands covered with 
vegetation, trees and shrubbery, whose shad- 
ows were reflected in the water, added to the 
attractions. 

*' The walk was level, bounded on the north 
by fruitful meadows, and cultivated fields 
and orchards, on rising grounds; on the south 
by the river and adjacent mountains. The 
season of bloom then often at its height, the 
apple, peach, cherry and other trees, being 
then in full blossom, the meadows covered 
with violets, the river bank with honey- 
suckle, lupin, and other flowers. The i>arty 
continued westward one mile, to an eddy 
caused by a turn of the river, forming a 
miniature whirlpool.-^ The poles no longer 
touched bottom, the waters being too deep. 
The composer, poet like, supposed a case of 
great peril, caused the music to convey the 
idea of fear and terror ; the boat was kept in 
the whirlpool long enough for the musicians 
to act out their part, when it emerged from 
the eddy into the placid stream ; the sounds 
changed to lively airs and graceful melodies. 
The boat meanwhileglided with the current, 
and the party wended their way homeward. 

" My principal authority for the foregoing, 
was the late Mr. Jacob Wolle, who said, 
'that about the year 1809 to 1813, he assisted 
as a performer of the Boat-ride, and on one 
occasion, the performers were Jonx Rick- 
SECKER, l>tt <-l(triiict; David Moritz Mich.vel, 
2d clarinet ; Christian Luckfnbach, Peter 
ScHNELLER, French, honia ; Samuel Krause 
and Jacob Wolle, Bassoons.' 

"Things have greatly changed since then, 
the walk has been entirely obliterated, a 
canal has been scooped out on its site. The 
river, then considered gentle in its charac- 
ter, has, owing to the construction of dams 
used in feeding the canal, become violent 

* CJled the deep hole. 



and noted as a destroyer ; its floods tearing 
away the sodded river banks, uprooting the 
beautiful shade trees, and at times causing 
scenes of desolation, over which the lover of 
the beautiful laments. 

" That a musical community existed here, 
may be inferred from the following circum- 
stance ; about the year ISOO, the town con- 
tained about 600 inhabitants, yet that small 
number furnished six persons as organists, 
who were able to serve the congregation, and 
did so, without recompense. Such organists 
were required to know about 400 church 
tunes, and l,e able to play them in any key 
the offioialing minister might start them. 
tThe minister generally commenced the 
singing of the hymn without announcing 
the words, theorganist and the congregation 
joined in as soon as they could catch the 
words and the tune.) They were required 
to perform concerted music at sight. Xow, 
the congregation is about three times larger, 
and but three persons arc found able to do 
so. It was deemed not only an honor tu be 
able, but a great privilege to serve the con- 
gregation in that manner. The names of the 
organists of that time, as well as the busi- 
ness each followed, are here given. 

Jou.N George Weiss, Watchmaker. 

JosEPU Oerter, Bookbinder. 

John Frederick Peter, Clerk. 

Joseph IIorsfield, Nurseryman. 

Anton Smidt, Tinsmith. 

Marcus Fetter, Blacksmith. 
The organist of the large Moravian church, 
at this time, is Ernst F. Blei k, and of the 
Old Chapel, TucoDoni: F. Wolle. The or- 
ganists of the Lutheran is Charles Swartz, 
of the Reformed church, George K. Hess; 
and of the Catholic, Professo William F. 
Graber. The vocal performers are now 
well dril'.cd, resulting from weekly practis- 
inge, which have been held for a lieriod ot 
several years by Ernst F. Bleck. 

'• The Moravian church has adopted choral 
tunes, deeming the.m the best suited for 
congregational singing, 'and although there 
is much sameness in style, yet, they are 
capable of much variety in expression, and 



1C2 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



iiulccil luniiy portrny in peculiarity of ca- 
tlcncc,or in combined melody and harmony, 
n diversity of emotion suited to the expres- 
sion of those feelings in which a believer do- 
lighla. Their beauty exists not so much in 
tlie melody as in harmony, hence thoy should 
be sung in four parts. Their tune books 
contain about 495, of which about 400 arc 
used. They have been gathered from many 
countries, from every available source ; they 
use ten of Luther's and fourteen of J. C. La- 
trobc's composing; the church owes the lat- 
ter a debt of gratitude, not only for his com- 
positions, which are truly devotional, but 
for the impulse which he gave to many 
musical members of his church, in guiding 
and elevating their taste.' Sec Lecture on 
Church Music by the Rev. Lewis West, of 
Brockwier, England, fraternal Mesaciii/cr, 
February number, 1858. 

"Herein Bethlehem it has been customary 
for the organist to play interludes between 
the lines, which custom has gro«'n from a 
Eimple turn, into elaborate and highly color- 
ed passages. Such interludes not only tend 
to obscure the melody, but those features 
which caused the adoption of choral music by 
the churches, — its grandeur and simplicity. 
Many object to their use, and thoy are now 
frequently omitted by tlie jiresont organists. 

" Interludes between the verses wore first 
introduced here by one of our present organ- 
ists, Mr. EiissT F. Blkck. It was a decided 
improvement on the former method of pas- 
sing from verse (o verso without any reliev- 
ing separaiion. It is not customary hero for 
the choir to lead in congregational singing, 
the organ alone leads. Every member of the 
church who is able, is expected to sing loud 
and heartily. The choir sings only concerted 
music, and alone. Anthems are sometimes 
sung by the choir, and by the congregation. 

" Cunccried Church Mimic, with organ and 
orchestra accompaniment, was performed 
here soon after the settlement began. It was 
at first, very simple in its style, being chiefly 
the compositions of their own people, who 
composed under instructions of those in au- 
thority, requiring them to simplify. As the 



style changed in Europe, the Moravian com- 
posers were allowed to furnish compositions 
of a higher order; the tastes of their people 
gradually improved, until the elaborate 
productions of the best masters were regard- 
ed as appropriate. 

" The Mimical I.ibrunj of the Moravian 
church at Bethlehem, contains about "JO 
com])osition3,llB with English text, and ClI 
with German; composed by 89 different au- 
thors, all are in manuscript, the greater part 
having organ and instrumental accomjiani- 
ments. Besides which, there is a large col- 
lection ofbound books some containing collec- 
tions of i)ieces,and others containing Masses, 
by various authors; the latter have English 
and Latin texts, and have been more recently 
obtained. Among the manuscript music 
composed by members of the church, or by 
others not members, but at the request of the 
church, and not known outside of a few Mo- 
ravian congregations, there are many that 
may be classed among the gems of musical 
compositions. The favorite authors arc 
Bishop Gregor, J. Christian Geissler, Dr. 
Soercnsen, Graun, Bergt, Naumann, Freydt, 
Rcissiger and Spohr, of Germany; Bishop 
J. C.Latrobe,of England, and Bishop llerbst 
and Bechlor, of the United States. 

" Before tlie choir sings, it is usual for the 
minister to rise and announce the piece, and 
read the text of the composition. It has 
been, and is at this time, customary for the 
choir to sing at every funeral; several times 
at every Love-feast, and on other festal oc- 
casions, such as Christmas, Easter, Thanks- 
giving, i'C. Becently, the clioir sings every 
Sunday evening at the opening of service. 
In addition, there are Muaical Singi^f) Meil- 
iiign, where no addresses are usual, the choir 
and the congregation singing alternately ; . 
these are delightful occasions, there is no 
rule as to the compositions and hymns, tlio 
oflieialing minis'er selecting such as suit 
the occasion. There are also I.iiiir'jiad Sing- 
iiij Meclingii, where the choir, the various 
classes, and the congregation, sing alter- 
nately or all altogether. These are in print, 
and are only with organ accomi>animcnt; 



B E T II L E U E M, PENNSYLVANIA. 



163 



and are iu the German language. Such 
services are generally held in the evening. 

" The attractions of the services of Christ- 
has Eve arc made more interesting by music. 
Many suitable compositions exist here. For 
a series of years, the services on this occa- 
sion have been opened by singing that gem, 
'Stilly night, silent night,' by the choir, a 
sweet composition, calming, and preparing 
the large audiences for what follows. The 
service lasts about two hours, during which 
the Eev. F. F. Ilagen's 'Morning star the 
darkness break' is sung, alternating between 
the choir and the children, always to the 
great delight of those present. The anthem, 
although simple, and intended for children 
only, has taken deep root iu the hearts of the 
congregation, who never seem to tire of its 
performance. 

"'For unto us a child is born,' — Handel. 
' Sey Wilkommen,' — by Haydn. 'Lift up 
your Heads, ye Gates,' — Handel. 'Gloria,' 
12th Mass, — Mozart, and other compositions, 
are sung. 

"At this time the church choir numbers 
sixteen female and eight male singers. The 
accompaniment to the singing consists of 
the organ, two first and two second violins, 
viola, violincello, double bass, two French- 
horns, two trumpets, trombone and flute, 
clarinets are not represented for want of 
competent performers. 

" New Year's Eve, in Moravian congrega- 
tions, has ever been the occasion of special 
services. Formerly the adult portion of the 
congregation assembled in the early part of 
the evening to hear the Memorabilia read. 
This was a statement made by the minister 
of matters of public interest, or such, relating 
to the congregation, which transpired during 
the year, and were worthy of record. The 
paper is made up from the diary kept by all 
Moravian clergymen. The subjects treated 
of, embrace the general features of the sea- 
sons, harvests, health, peace and war, losses 
by fire, new buildings. All births, deaths, 
marriages, removals and accessions, each 
name being fully recorded. The number of 
each class, the losses and accessions, together 



with a general review of the whole congre- 
gation, and a comparative statement, as to 
its numbers, its increase and decrease. The 
reading of the Jlemorabilia, at this time, 
takes place during the first week iu the New- 
Year. At llj o'clock, p. M., the congrega- 
tion assembles for watch meeting. After the 
officiating minister enters, the choir sing 
Bishop Gregor's solemn composition, ' Lord I 
Lord! God,' and then the congregation sing; 
after which the text for the day is read from 
the text-book, and is the subject of the dis- 
course which follows. Meanwhile the mu- 
sicians in the choir consult their time-pieces, 
and quietly assemble in front of the organ. 
The organist also watches the hands on his 
time-piece, and sits ready with {lis feet 
poised. As the Year expires, the New is 
welcomed by a loud crash of melody from 
the organ, and a double choir of trombonists, 
by p'aying tune IIG, Text, 'Now let us 
Ijraise the Lord.' The performance generally 
leaves the sentences of the speaker unfinish- 
ed, but ' Time waits not.' The congregation 
rise and join in singing, followed by praver, 
the reading of the text for the first day, and 
the singing of a hymn. These meetings are 
always largely attended. 

*^ lUtBeion Wetic Services begin on Tatur- 
day evening preceding Palm Sunday, with 
an introductory address and prayer, and 
with the reading of the history of the inci- 
dents of our Saviour's sufferings. Upon 
which occasion Dr. Soerensen's exquisite 
composition, ' Bethany, thou Peaceful ha- 
bitation,' is generally performed. It was 
specially composed for the services on that 
evening. It ought to serve as a model in 
refined taste, in simplicity, iu accompani- 
ment, and in melody. 

"In the services on Mmnjil;/ Thursday 
ffoorf Friday, ffreo* Sabbath, and £'(i«(e;-, musin 
forms a prominent part, most of the compo- 
sitions then used were composed to suit the 
occasion by devoted Christian men; many 
of them persons of high musical culture, 
whose works have borne the test of time, and 
are greatly esteemed by Moravians, wlio 
always look forward to their performance 



1G4 



n r.S T R I C A L SKETCH OF 



with ploasurc. Although various comiwscrs 
have written for tho same occasions, and 
changes are sometimes made in those usu- 
ally performed here during a number of 
years, we will notice tho favorites I For 
MautiJij Thtiretlaij, ' I see thee in thy soul's 
deep anguish,'— rfi/'rcyrf(. Soprano solo, and 
chorus, with Obligato Bassoon, carrying a 
mournful melody, an accompaniment to the 
soloist. On Good Fridai/, 1. 'Jesus bow'd his 
head and died,'— rfi Gicijor. 2. ' The story of 
his passion,'— rfi J. C. Geisaler. 3. ' Tho Lord 
of life! now sweetly slumber,' — Ji Luiiobe. 
Ihajint, is for Soprano Solo and Chorus, ten- 
derly accompanied by the organ and orches- 
tra, while an Obligato Fluto continues its 
mournful strain uninterruptedly throughout 
the entire performance. Tho second, opens 
with a diielt for Soi)rano and Alto, and ends 
with full chorus and orchestra accompani- 
ment. The third, is for Tenor and Basso Solo, 
duett and chorus. This is one of Bishop 
Ijatrobe'a best comjiositions. The instru- 
mental accompaniment is very fine. Two 
Obligato Clarinets and two Flutes are promi- 
nent features therein. The services on Good 
Friday evening arc intended to be a si>iritual 
gathering of mourners around the grave of 
the buried Saviour. The three compositions 
have been performed hero for many years, 
and have become precious to those who have 
heard them once each year since childhood. 

" In the Love Feast on Great Sabbath after- 
noon, three musical compositions are per- 
ronned by the choir, among which is Bishop 
Latrobe's ' Holy Redeemer,' for Tenor Solo, 
Chorus,and double Chorus. This composition, 
good judges of music deem equal to the best 
of Handel's works. 

"The Sabbath evening services are simi- 
lar in character to those of the evening pre- 
vious. The assembled worshippers are sup- 
posed to be gathered at the Saviour's grave, 
and give expression to their feelings by 
straiAs of sorrow. The choir usually per- 
forms two pieces, one for female voices in 
two parts ; the other, one of Latrobe's com- 
positions, for tho same, corsidered tho best 
of all his works. Text, ' \V an thy merito- 
rious death, ic' Both Friday and Saturday 



evening meetings, close with congregational 
singing without organ accompaniment, the 
organ affcr starting the choral, gradually 
ceases j)laying, this is an impressive feature. 
On Easter morning, the church services be- 
gin at 5 o'clock, A. xr., and will be fully de- 
scribed hereafter. 

" By the Moravians music is regarded as 
suited to every occasion in life, the last 
moments of the dying are soothed by the 
singing of hymns at the bedside, oft-times 
selected and joined in by the departing one. 
After death the departure is made known to 
the congregation by the performance of a 
trombone quartette from the church spire ; 
at the funeral, when the congregation leave 
the church, the trombonists head the proces- 
sion, who perform while marching, and lead 
the singing at the grave.'' The trombones 
produce a peculiarly solemn effect when per- 
formed upon, better and softer melody could 
be produced by more modern keyed instru- 
ments, the Cornet and Alt-horn, Ac, but the 
trombone was originally selected as the sym- 
bol of the last Trump,' and on that account 
has held its place. Four different sizes are 
used, known as the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and 
Basso. The two smaller have Trumpet Tones. 

" Troiubones are also used on festal occa- 
sions, to announce the festival, from tho 
church steeple, the time being about 7i 
o'clock, A. M. Again at the opening of the 
service at the Love feast, at 2 o'clock, r. M , 
and at night, if open air, meetings are held, 
as upon the occasion of the children's festival. 
The tunes are varied to suit the occasions. 

The services on Easter morning without 
tho accompaniment of tho trombonist's, 
would lose much of their solemnity and in- 
terest. On that occasion tho choir is often 
increased. Formerly all the instrumental 
performers, whether string or wind, took 
part; latterly trombones only are used. Tho 
musicians pass through the principal streets 
of the town, beginning about 3 o'clock, A. Ji., 
in order to awaken the members of tho con- 

• A full description of tlio rumral CTcmoniie will lio 
found in clmptcr 10th, iiiiJ aru tiutrf ro oiuitloJ 1: ru. 
—J. U. M. 



EETHLEUEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



105 



gregation, greeting them with Hymn, No. 
945, represented by Tune S3. The text: — 

" ' Christ is risen from the dead, 

Tiiou shalt rise too, saith my Savior, 
Of what should I be afraid? 
I with him shall live forever. 
Can the dead forsake his limb, 
And not draw me unto him"?' 

" Half an hour before service the spacious 
church is usually filled wi;h the cougreation 
and visitors, who engage in praying the 
'Easter Morning Litany,' which embraces the 
creed of the church. At the passage, ' Glory 
be to him who is the resurrection and the 
life,' the minister dismisses the assembly 
with Iheannouncementthattherestof the lit- 
any will be prayed in the burial ground. The 
musicians having left previously, greet the 
peojile as they leave the church, with appro- 
priate h^'mns suited to the occasion. A pro- 
cession is formed, led by the children of the 
schools and their teachers. 2d, the church 
choir singers. 3d, instrumental performers. 
4th, the clergy. 5th, females. 6th, males. 
They then move on to the grave-yard. The 
males then occupy the first path running 
parallel to Market street. The clergy and 
all the musicians the second path. The fe- 
males ihe third jiath, and part of that ex- 
lending north and south from Market street. 
It is so timed, that as the procession enters 
the grounds, it is met by the brilliant rays of 
the rising sun, emblematic of the time of the 
Saviour's rising, and our resurrection. As 
soon as the multitude have reached their ap- 
.pro[iriato places; the services are continued 
to their close. The singing is led by the in- 
strumental performers. In case of a fair 
mild morning about 2000 persons usually 
attend this really grand and impressive ser- 
vice. The grounds, which are always kept 
neat and tidy, shortly before Easter, receive 
a special refit. New tombstones are placed 
ou the graves of the newly buried, old ones 
are cleansed, other graves are newly sodded, 
and many are decked with wreaths and 
boquets of blooming flowers, as tokens of 
endearing affection. 



" Trombones were formerly used to greet 
celebrated persons. When General Wash- 
ington visited Bethlehem, he was wel- 
comed by the trombonists, as a^ark of 
respect. They were also formerly blown 
upon the arrival or departure of clergymen, 
and distinguished members of Ihe Moravian 
church. General Sullivan of the Revolu- 
tionary Array was so greeted when he visited 
Ecthlehem during that war. 

" It requires uot a little self-denial to serve 
as a performer of the trombone choir. He 
is required to attend all the services when 
they are used. He is obliged to assist in an- 
nouncing every death which occurs in the 
congregation, to play at the funerals, to play 
on every festal morning and afternoon, toper- 
form before the celebration of the Lord's sup- 
per. He is in duty bound to go to the grave- 
yard, or climb to the church belfry at all sea- 
sons, and in every kind of weather; cold or 
rain must not be heeded, he goes through all. 
Oft-times the intense cold congeals the mois- 
ture of the instrument, and renders playing 
almost impossible. Yet he is ever ready. 
This is done for the love he bears the church. 
Although much is required, the congregation 
has never been without such a choir. 

" We cannot dismiss this subject without 
citing the distinguished services of several 
who are still serving the congregation in this 
capacity. There e.xists a photograph, called 
the ' Three Trombonists,' the fourth, being 
represented by his instrument, he having 
' gone home.' The three entered the service 
as trombonists, ou Easter morning, in the 
year 1818, having served without interrup- 
tion, to this date, a period of 53 years. The 
names of the surviving three are, Jedidiali 
Weiss, Charles F. Beckcl, and Jacob C. Till, 
the missing brother, Timothy AVeiss. 

"The trombones are not, we believe, used 
in the religious services of any other deno- 
mination of Christians in the United States. 
Those in use here, were made in Neukirchen, 
Germany. The Brethren who constitute the 
performers at this time, are, Ambroise II. 
Rauch, Robert R.iu, Saprauo, or Diacant ; 
Charles F. Beckel, George M. Beckel, 
Alto; Henry D. Bishop, James H. Wolld, 



1G6 



II I S T 11 I C A L S K U T C H 'M" 



'J'enor'n; Jediuiah Wtiss, and Ciiap.i.es N. 
BccKELi ltaatiu«. 

" Serenades liavo been customary hero 
I'roin IhoJbundiiig of the town to the present 
date. During former times more frequent 
than now. Visitors to the town were for- 
merly greeted with a serenade. Birth-days 
were so celebrated. The date of the birth of 
each individual in the community was for- 
merly known to all the inhabitants by a cus- 
tom which existed, and which is still ob- 
served iu Moravian congregations. We refer 
to the keeping of a Ilirih-day-Hook, a record 
containing a blank page for each day iu the 
year. In it was recorded the names of every 
member of the congregation, and friends, 
and relatives in other places; distinguished 
members of the church both here and else- 
where — both living and deceased — all such 
as tlicy desired to remember, often also, dis- 
tinguished names in the liistory of tlie world, 
such as Luther,Melancthon,Gallileo, Colum- 
bus, Washington, the Presidents of the Uni- 
ted States and others were found therein. 

"The ISirth-daii-Jionk and Tcjcl-Buul: were 
jilaced on the breakfast-table each morning; 
after the text was read, and while the family 
were being served, the record was generally 
consulted iu order to'ascertain whose birth- 
day it was. This custom served as a bond 
which held the inhabitants in social union. 
2Co one, no matter how poor or humble was 
forgotten, every one was greeted with good 
wishes and attentions. Such books of record 
also suggested subjects for conversation often 
tending to entertaining and useful informa- 
tion, particularly so, to young persons. Dis- 
tant persons were greeted by letter, those 
near were visited during the day, and saluted 
with kind wishes, sometimes by the singing 
of hymns ere they left their bed-chambers. 
Poetical effusions were composed and sent; 
many specimens of which, still e.\ist i:i this 
community. The best composition of this 
class was written by Bishop Gregor, while 
residing in America to his daughter in Eu- 
rope, giving a description of his American 
experiences, it is in the German language, 
and consists of thirty-six verses, the first 
verse is as ilillows : 



'" AlliT h h.l.. I i.n^lal 

llonto krlcgst du zwnr. 

Kcino Feat opiiitel, 

Wio die vor'gc wiir 

Die ich du vor'm Jaliro 

Aus dor Sco gcsandt 

Dcnn fur ilio xcit fiiliro 

Ich iiuf trockenem Lund.'" 
" It was written in 1771, and contains an 
account of Bethlehem, Kazareth, and other 
Moravian congregations, but the most at- 
tractive portion, is the description of his 
visit to the Indian congregation on the Sus- 
quehanna river, calleil Friedenhulten, now 
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. 

"Special pains were taken when the 5Ist 
birth-Uay came, then surprise folowcd sur- 
prise. Serenades were a part of the pro- 
gramme. Formerly hymn tunes were i)er- 
formed, such music be.ng constantly prac- 
tised, the musicians were at all times ready 
to perform tlicm." Here fallows an interest- 
ing account of the celebration of the Golden 
Wedding of our friend, Jedidiah Weiss, and 
his wife, which occurred on November 26th, 
IS70, copied from the next issue thereafter 
of the Muroviau, which is very jileasing but 
too long to be included in this brief chapter. 
'The first special organization for sere- 
nading, which we can trace, existed here in 
1840. It continued during many years, and 
produced some sweet music; mostly fan.i- 
liar airs, arranged by three of the members, 
viz.: CiiAULKs F. Beckel, E. F. B:;ci;ni., and 
Matthi:wCui!ist. Their collection embraced 
about thirty pieces. The members— Charles 

F. BkCKEL, first fioliil ; CuUISTlAN F. LUCII, 

McDi'd violin; Matthew Chuist, clarinet; 
Jou.v SicLEV, liijlc; Lewis F. Beckel, /iid; 
EiinestF. Bi.ECK,ii'<./i'/icero,- IIenrv D. Tif^n- 
op, tromb'iiie ; and at a later day, the same 
music was rendered, existing vacancies be- 
ing filled by Amdroise H. Rai'ch, bugle : 
James H. Woli.e and Chakles N. Beckei., 
iromboiici ; and RcFCs A. GRiDER,y?ii'!. 

" When the era of brass music came, an- 
other club was organized, and performed for 
several years, during the existence of the 
older ; and then finally took its place. It was 
known as the '• Sextett Club." The instru- 
ments used were cornets and tubas. It wca 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1G7 



constituted as follows : — Lewis F. Beckel, 
Leader, George M. Beckel, Charles N. 
Beckel, Beunhard E. Lehmas, Matthus 
Weiss, Jclius N. Weiss, and William H. 
BoFHLER. The music performed by them was 
mostly of Professor Grafulla's arrangement. 
This organization did the community good 
service— the inhabitants of the town received 
many a musical treat between their dreams. 

" Vuciil serenades have been customary 
here from the town's commencement. One 
organization for that purpose existed here 
about 1850. Auother called the 'Arion' ex- 
isted here for several years, using the Arion 
collection for m'dnnerchoir It sang its ' last 
lay,' at the funeral of Amos Commenius 
Clauder, one of its members, who died Octo- 
ber 14th, 1S68. Lately the members of the 
Moravian Church choir have serenaded seve- 
ral of its prominent members upon their en- 
tering the choir of the ' married people.' 

"J/iK(ary music took its rise here in 1S09. 
Under the existing military laws, all males 
between the ages of 18 and 45 years were re- 
quired to exercise in military tactics, twice 
each year, or pay a fine. The first was called 
Exercisiitr/, it embraced one of the districts 
of a brigade. The second, included the en- 
tire brigade, and was called 'Battalion drill.' 
On such occasions nearly all the males re- 
ported for duty. Females also came as spec- 
tators; it was the gala-day of that period. 
SIiows or circus performances did not then 
exist. Fairs also were of a later date. A 
nodding plume was an admirable appendage 
in those days. To be an officer of the brigade 
was deemed a great honor. Persons attain- 
ing such positions endeavored to excel each 
other in display. Fine uniforms, bright but- 
tons, large epaulets, plumes, cocked hats, 
and attractive music were required. 

"The formation of the 'Bethlehem Band' 
was the result of the militia system of that 
period. In the book in which the members 
recorded their names is found the following 
' Preamble to the Constitution' of the Musical 
Society of the 97th Regt. Pa. Militia. As 
this society has been offered by the brigade 
inspector and colonel of the 97th Regt. Pa. 



Militia, that if the Society will furnish the 
regiment with military music on the occa- 
sion of Battalion parades, the said Musical 
Society shall not be subject to any military 
fines, and as said Society has accepted said 
offer, they agree to be bound by the follow- 
ing Constitution. Article I. The Company 
shall be known as the Columbia Band, »feo. 
To this instrument are attached 52 names, 
some of them, among the most prominent 
citizens of the town. In the early part of its 
formation the band numbered 12 jierformers, 
but it afterwards increased to 24 members. 

The following is a list of the names of tlie 
members, as they stand recorded in rotation 
in the book : - 

Samuel Luckenbach Christian F. Luch, 

John r.icksecker, Cenjamin Eggert, 

Jedidiah Weiss, "William Rice, 

David Peter Schncllcr, Charles F. Beckel, 

John F. Ranch, Samuel Luckenbach, 
John Oerter, son of Adam, 

Christian Luckenbach, George W. Dixon, 

Timothy Weiss, Charles Williams, Jr 

Jacob Till, David Weinland, 

Daniel Luckenbach, Charles C. Tombler, 

Gottlot Guettcr, Samuel Shultz, 

John a. Fetter, John C. Weber, 

Ernst F. Bourquia, Charles Neisser, 

Samuel Weinland, Charles L. Knauss, 

Christian Lange, George II. Goundie, 

Uonry UUlman, John O. Clowell, 

Siimuel R. Eggert, Jacob Luckenbach, 

Charles F. Kremser, Samuel Brunner, 

Phillip Dealer, Michel Kreider, 

William B. Luckenbach, William Luckenbach, 

Herman IliUman, Aug^ Belling, 

Charles S. Bush, Jos. 0. Beitel, 

Benjamin Whitesell, Lewis S. Knauss, 

Frauds Leunart, Matthew Christ, 

Augustus Milchsuck, John David Weiss, 

Andrew Vognitz. Francis Knauss, 

John Alex. Bourquln, Jacob Wolle, 

William Neisser, Wm. C. Luckenbach, 

John M. Miksh, C. Jacob Till. 
C. F. Youngman, 

"At the beginning of the present century 
Military Bands were rare; few existed out- 
side of our large cities; performers were few; 
it was difficult to obtain instruments and 
suitable music. The present great city of 
Philadelphia had at that time but one Band. 
Frank Johnson, a noted Bugler, a colored 
resident, had organized a Band from among 
his own race; it was the Band of that city 
for a long time. During the earlier part of 
its existence it accompanied the Feneibhs, 



103 



II r S T R I C A I. SKETCH OF 



commaiulcd by Col. Jamks Pagk, when on a 
visit to Bethlehem, which they reached tia 
the Lehigh Canal hy boat. On that occasion 
the Delilehcm liana assisted in welcoming the 
visitors to the town. Many of the members 
of the Bahtvhem Ihind were skilled orchestra 
performers; some of them able to compose 
suitable music. Their most edective com- 
position at that time was a Grand March, 
composed by their leader, C. Jacob Till, the 
skilful rendering of which did them great 
credit. The band was successively led by 
Jo:ix RicKSECKKii, C. Jacob Till, Ciiaiiles F. 
IJkckel, Samuel Luckexbach,* and again 
during a short period by Mn. Deckel, until it 
was disbanded. It existed during a period 
of thirty years. The excellence of its music, 
and the high social and moral standing of 
its members, gained it great celebrity; its 
services were sought for in distant parts; 
au^ it was regarded as equal to any Band in 
the Atlantic cities. 

"The first Brass Band was organized in 
the year 1839. It was led by Joii.n Sigley on 
the Iluyle, and existed only during a short 
time, about f:>ur years. In 1845 an excellent 
Brass Band, led by Peter Pomp, of Easton, 
visited the town; they performed with much 
taste, the well known Luvc Not Qnicke'ep. 
The visit was long remembered by the peo- 
j)le of Bethlehem. The immediate efl'ect was 
to arouse a sjjirit of emulation; it was re- 
marked by the young musicians here, ' Eas- 
ton shall not outshine us long.' An organ- 
ization was formed at once by young per- 
sons; an existing Rccd Hand was converted 
into one for Brasi in.strument3, with the fol- 
lowing performers ; 



Amdroise II. Rauiii, 
Amos Dealer, 
Wm. U. Boeuler, 
Lewis F. Beckel, 
JiATTniAS Wei?s, 



Henry D. Bishop, 
Crarles N. Beckel, 
Harry Boiirqui.v, 
Julius N.Weiss, 
Hesry I. Oeuteu, 



Julius W. Held. 

This organization was continued under the 

lead of Lewis F. Beckel for about 15 years. 

After it was disbanded, several attempts were 

• Samcel Luckonback was not a performor, he was 
tho captain of tlio bar.d, i.e., Drumm.ijor. Do always 
dism!f(S(-'d the pcrforiHors with the remark, '• Oeutlo- 
mua, the baud in dismissed 1 think." 



made to re-organize, but without permanent 
success. At this time another attempt is 
being made by persons who have not belong- 
ed to other organizations of the town. 

'* The Philharmonic Society of Bethlehem 
was the result of previous musical culture, 
and former organization. There was a prior 
organization known as the CulUijium Vuticnm 
of liethUhc/n. Music had been practiced iu 
tho town during a period of seventy-eight 
years ; as an art era the new name was as- 
sumed. About the year ISOO an effort was 
made to revive the (lagging musical spirit. 
-V benefit concert was given in 1807, after 
wliioh $19.15 was collected, which at that 
time was deemed a large sum. No tickets 
were sold, and no admission fee charged; 
persons deposited their gifts at the door in 
a tin box, painted green, and marked 'For 
the Support of Music' 

" The Treasurer's accounis, which have 
been preserved, show the number and date 
of tho Concerts given during a number of 
years, and the amount received after each 
Concert. From them the following informa- 
tion is gathered, viz : 



Date. 


Con&:rts. 


A mt's rcc'd 


isor. 


17, 


$.",1.47. 


1808, 


28, 


32.00. 


1809, 


3G, 


42.86. 


1810, 


24, 


32.00. 


1811, 


24, 


32.60. 


1812, 


10, 


25.58. 


1813, 


24, 


42.00. 


1814, 


H, 


16.41. 


1815, 


12, 


7.28. 


1816, 


10, 


12.50. 


1817, 


12, 


10.63. 


1818, 


11. 


10.50. 


1S19, 


la, 


8.20. 



In 13 years, 241 Concerts, ^^301. 73 ; averag- 
ing about one dollar and thirty cents for eacli 
Concert. The Society paid no rent, and paid 
for no fuel. It had no other resources except . 
the free will offerings of its own people, and 
yet it was sufficient to purchase candles, 
violin strings, and instruments, make need- 
ed repairs, pay for music paper and copying 
music, and the Society had $4.42 in the treas- 
ury when it assumed a different organiza- 
tion, and a new name, in the year 1820. 



E i; T U L i; II DM, r E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



1G9 



'• Leading members of the Musical Society 
and learners practised daily on their respec- 
tive instruments from fifteen to sixty min- 
utes after dinner and at night. Quartette 
Clubs also existed, -which met regularly at 
the houses of members and at the Brethren's 
House. 

" On the 191h of May, 1823, The Creation 
ivas performed by the Philharmonic Society, 
on a larger scale than ever before in Bethle- 
hem. Seventy performers took part. It was 
sung in the original German text, and the 
Concert was deemed a great success. In 1824, 
eight Concerts weregiven. OnWhit-Monday, 
in 1832, Schiller's ' Song of the Bell,' with 
Romberg's music, was rendered for the first 
time here, to the great delight of the public. 
The person representing the part of blaster, 
was our present veteran Boaso, Jedidiah 
Weiss, now seventy-four years of age. The 
Tenor Soloist was TiMOTHY Weiss, whose fine 
voice, and skilful rendering is still remem- 
bered with pleasure by those who heard him. 
The soprano soloists were. Miss Susan E. 
Stotz and Miss Lizzette Bleck. The alto 
soloists. Miss Charlotte Beckel and Miss 
Caroline Brown. 

" Things went on prosperously under the 
direction of Chaisles F. Beckel, Matthew 
Christ, Jacob "Wolle, Ernest Lkhman, and 
Jedidiah and Timothy Weiss. Perfect unity 
of action existed, and rapid progress was 
made. The compositions given for a series 
of years at the annual festivals were, viz: 

1S33, The Creation, Haydn. 

1834, Spring and Summer,... " 

ISS.'J, Winter and Autumn.... " 

1836, The Song of the "BaWy-Romherfi. 

1837, The Seven Sleepers, Dr. Lowe. 

1338 " " " " 

1339, The Creation, Haydn. 

"The Society was now in the zenith of its 
glory ; ' The Seven Sleepers,' then quite new, 
wi>s repeated at public request. The repre- 
sentations of the Seven Brothers was deemed 
highly interesting ; but more particularly 
the part of the boy, Malehus, performed by 
Miss LizETTE Bleck, who possessed the rare 
faculty of forgetting self, and throwing her 
whole soul and feelings into the part she 



represented; yet so modest and childlike, 
that she has been regarded by those who 
heard her, as unequalled in the part in this 
place. The Bishop of Ephesus was repre- 
sented by the Bev. John G. Herman, a Bishop 
of the Moravian Church, whose deep, rich 
bass voice, had a great eifect upon the audi- 
ence. His official position was poetically 
true. It was also a pleasing and unusual 
feature. 

"In 1840, William T. Bocpper, a skilful 
piano-forte, organ, and violin performer, and 
a good tenor singer, became an active mem- 
ber of the Society ; and soon thereafter was 
elected Conductor, which station he filled for 
about thirteen years j during which time 
greater efforts were made than ever before 
to improve the quality of the music render- 
ed. Tlie practice of music, however, like all 
other undertakings, is subject to elb and flow. 
The Bethlehem public had been surfeited 
with music ; the audiences became slim and 
indifferent; under such circumstances it 
was but natural that the performers should 
lose their interest also, and praclicings ceas- 
ed for a time. 

" In 1858, an effort was made to revive the 
dormant Society. J. P. E. WiuDEKiLnca vin- 
linist, was elected leader, Frederick Agthe, 
Louis F. Beckel and Bufus A. Griper, Direc- 
tors, and James II. Wolle, Secretary. Miss 
Ernestina IIahn (afterwards married to Juli- 
us N. Weiss), a noted soprano singer, and a 
Teacher in the Boarding School, gave instruc- 
tion to the male and female singers of the S'>- 
ciety, using the 'Social Glee Book.' It was 
intended for open air recreations on the river 
in the evenings. 

'^ In May, 1863, the Society again perform- 
ed The Seven Sleepers^ and repeated it the fol- 
lowing month. Three Concerts were given 
in 1864, and the same number in 1865. In 
1866, Mr. Eoepper reappeared, after a retire- 
ment of several years. He gave tlie vocal 
performers an opportunity to practice Shu- 
man's Paradise and the Pert, in Order to grati- 
fy a taste which he had acquired for the 
works of that author, and the pleasure it 
would afford others. The offer was eagerly 



170 



H I S T r. I (• A L P K I. T C II OF 



cmliraood. Mrs. Jane R. KiMfsi: (the cldost 
amighler of Mr. B.iopppr) look the dilTiouU 
nnci proiniiiont part of the /'en, and sustiiin- 
cd it with grent success. Miss Annie Stein, 

Miss Dl.LKN LiCIlTKNTIIALEIt, Miss IvATE SeI.F" 

RiDCiE, and Miss Emily SiEOEn, also sang 
eolos; lloBEur Hau was tenor soloist, and 
.Tkihuiaii Weiss and Anthony Goth, bassos. 
The accompaniment was performed on the 
]Mano, by Mr. Roeppcr. It was intended for 
social recreation only; but the ]>erforniers 
desiring to sing it in public, for the benefit of 
some charitable object; a Concert was given 
in February, 1S67, and with such success, 
that the public required two repetitions. 

"In 1SG9, a re-organization was effected. 
The Society was placed under the direction 
of Frofcssor AVilliam E. Grabeb, as leader; 
during that year, Rossini's Slabat Mater, and 
Spohr's Last Judgment, were performed hero 
for the first time. We copy from the Mora- 
vian, of March Gth, 1869: 

'•'The Concert on Saturday evening last 
was in every respect a gratifying success. 
The programme was a choice one, the ren- 
dering of it admirable in every parlicular, 
and there was a crowded house. Part I., of 
the programno embraced the follow-ing: 
Overture, La Cenerentola; Fantasie, Piano, 
Chopin (Prof. W. Warner) ; Trio, Piano, Vio- 
lin and Violoncello, Mendelssohn, (Messrs. 
Wolle, Graber and Bleok); Marchia, Piano, 
Raff (Prof. Warner) ; Quintette, Larghetto 
and Rondo, IJcthoven (Messrs. Wollo, Graber 
and Bleck, Charles W. Roepper, and R. E. 
Lehman); Prof. Warner received a woll-de- 
scrvcd encore, to which he responded by play- 
ing the L'Ecumedu Mer. It is seldom, indeed, 
that more finished and brilliant performing 
on the piano is heard than that with which the 
audience were favored on this occasion. The 
' Ptabat Mater,* which formed Part II., was 
never sung better. The parts were distribut- 
ed as follows: 'Cujus Animam,' Mr. R. 
Ran ; ' Quis est Homo,' Miss Kate Selfridge 
and Miss Otclia V. Clauder; 'Pro Peccatis,' 
Mr. Anthony Goth ; ' Eial Mater,' Mr. Jedi- 
diah Weiss ; ' Sancta Mater,' Miss Ellen 
Lichtenthaler, Miss Mary Ann Rice, Messrs. 



Robert Rau and Edwin G. Klose; 'Fac ut 
Portcm,' Mrs. C. W. (Jane) Krause; ' Inllam- 
matus,' Miss Ellen Lichtenthaler. A repeti- 
tion of the last was enthusiastically called for. 
It was superbly sung. The solos and choruses 
were each givenwithadmirablcprecisitmand 
expression. It was a most enjoyable evening. 
AVhy cannot the Concert be repeated? We 
believe the public would heartily welcome a 
repetition, and we have no doubt that all iho ' 
jierformers and singers would enjoy it as 
well. It is certainly a gratifying circum- 
stance that there is still so much musical 
taste and ability amongst us, and it will not 
be questioned that both ought to be cultivat- 
ed. It is a pleasant thing to sec, and a hope- 
ful symptom of the healthiness of social life 
in Bethlehem, when citizens of all ages and 
classes meet together to rehearse such classi- 
cal music as that embraced in the above pro- 
gramme, and when without any parade or 
affectation, the same is publicly rendered 
for the enjoyment of others and for a charita- 
ble purpose. The Philharmonic Society has 
a mission to perform, which we trust it will 
not neglect.' 

"The first Concert for the benefit of the 
Young Men's Christian Association's course 
of yVintcr Evening Entertainments, Was given 
on Saturday evening, November 27th, 1SC9. 
The musical reporter of the Moravian, in the 
issue of that paper of December 2d, writes 
enthusiastically of the performance, thus: 

'"The Philharmonic Concert on Saturday 
evening last was a delightful success. We 
have seldom had a Concert in which the pro- 
gramme was so uniformly well carried out. 
The selections were a'l more or less familiar, 
at which some may be disposed to cavil; (to 
our taste this wai one great merit of the pro- 
grammes bu' DO one could have failed to be 
entirely satisfied with the manner in which 
they were rendered. Excepting our memo- 
rable 'Paradise and the Peri' experience 
some winters ago, we have not, for many 
years, had so full and well drilled an or- 
chestra and chorus. Very great credit is duo 
to the conductor, Prof. Graber, and to the 
members of the Society, who have suffered 



D K T 11 L i: II E M, PENNSYLVANIA. 



171 



themselves to be drilled — a rather rare vir- 
tue in volunteer performers, be it remember- 
ed. The evidences of careful rehearsing 
were manifest throughout, ,ind there was a 
promptness and correctness in time and ex- 
pression in which our orchestras were for- 
merly rather deficient. We welcome this 
Concert as the beginning of a new musical 
era in Bethlehem, which shall do more than 
restore its ancient renown, and as for our- 
selves we vote for dispensing with the lec- 
tures announced in this course of* Winter 
Evening Entertainments,' and substituting 
Concerts, even though these could only be 
had by repeating some of the previous per- 
formances. Music that is worth hearing at 
all, has nothing to lose, but much to gain by 
repetition, and that not only once, but many 
times. 

" 'The orchestral contributions to the pro- 
gramme were the Overture to La Dame 
Blanche, Op. 44, Kalliwoda, Ileimweh (Jung- 
man), and some of Strauss' Waltzes, (the 
latter, the only portion to which we take 
slight exception). The Quartette, from Obe- 
ron, was sung by Mrs. Jane R. Krause, Miss 
Otelia V. Clauder, Messrs. Eobert Eau and 
B. E. Lehman. Tlie Flute Obligate was 
finely performed by Mr. Charles W. Roep- 
per, acoomiianied on the piano by Prof. 
Wolle. The duett from Mendelssohn's 
'Hymn of Praise,' was sung by Miss Annie 
Stein and Miss Kate Selfridge, the chorus 
being very full, about thirty singers. This 
was unquestionably the gem of the evening, 
and so the audience seemed to think, but it 
failed to accomplish a repetition. The ' Glock- 
entoene,'(Proch), was sung by Miss Kate Self- 
ridge, Mr. B. E. Lehman accompanying on 
the French horn, and Prof. Graber on the 
piano. Ifc deserved the encore it received. 
The Trio, ' Die Sanften Tage,' was very beau- 
tifullv sung by Mrs. Krause, and Messrs. 
Robert Rau and Anthony Goth. Tlie chorus 
was composed of male voices. It, too, we 
want to hear again. ' The Heavens are Tell- 
ing,' was splendidly given by the full chorus, 
at first a little too slow in time, but the Con- 
ductor speedily remedied this. Altogether 



the Concert was an event, and the public 
asks for many more like it.' ^ 

" In the iVorari'nn of May 12th, 1S70, the 
following interesting notice and statement 
will be found, viz : 

"'The Philharmonic •S'oci'c.'y will this even- 
ing render the Oratorio of ' The Seven Sleep- 
ers.' It has been performed several times 
by the Society, the first time being in 1837, ' 
when the solo parts were distributed as fol- 
lows : Miss Lizette Bleck (afterwards Mrs. 
Israel Rickseeker), Miss Susan Stotz (after- 
wards Mrs. Rev. H. J. Titze), Miss Phoebe 
Bleck (now Jlrs. Wm. Brown), Miss Louisa 
Pietsch, Mr. Chas. F. Beckel, Mr. Timothy 
\>'eiss, Ilev. John G. Herman, Rev. Julius 
Bechler, Rev. J. C. Brickenstein, Mr. Jcdi- 
diah Weiss, Mr. Teckel being also leader of 
the orchestra. As the text of the oratorio will 
be for sale at the Concert, we need not give 
the plot. The distribution of the solos is as 
follows: Sopranos, Mrs. Laura Clauder, Mrs. 
C. W. Krause, Miss Kate Selfridge ; alto. Miss 
Cornelia F. Boner; tenors, Mr. Robert Rau, 
Mr. Henry T. Clauder, Mr. Bertine S. Erwin; 
Bassos, Mr. Jedidiah Weiss, Mr. Edwin G. 
Klose,and Mr. Anthony Goth. The choruses 
are numerous.' 

"At a meeting of the 'Philharmonic So- 
ciety,' of Bethlehem, held ou Tuesday, Oct. 
6th, 1870, the following gentlemen were 
elected oihcers of the Society for the ensuing 
year : 

rresidcnt,, CH ARLFS F. BECKEL. 

Treasurer, JAMES II. 'WOLLB. 

Directors, 

TncoDor.E F. Wolle, Robert Ra.i, CnAr.L:;s W. IIoepper. 

ConducUjr, 

Prof. Wm. K. Gr..\-^z?.. 

" The society seems to have taken a new 
lease of life. Efforts are now being made, 
not only to improve the rendering, but also 
to bring in new material; much progress has 
already been made, under the industrious 
and genial new conductor. Prof. Graber. 
The number of vocal performers at this time, 
belonging to the society, is 62, consisting of 
33 males and 29 females. The orchestra 
numbers 26 performers, viz : 



l"i 



niSTOniCAL SKETCH OF 



Omduclor, Prof. WM. K-QRADKU. 

fProf. Theodore F. Wolle. 
,,. .... iMr. S. Krnstus I'cttco. 

I " Charles !• . Beckel. 
[ " Emanuel C. Rickseckcr. 

I7r./ii, Kobert Bau, Matthew J. Schmidt. 

C Alfred C. Roth. 

.. J ■ ,• Charles Reiprel. 

,^ccond violins i /-,. i t i 
Charles Luch. 

[ Augustus Gugatsh. 

• ViotinccUo, Ernst F. Eleek, Ji>hn Luch. 

Coiitra-liasao, George M. Beckel. 

Hitamon, Jedidiah Weiss. 

f Charles N. Beckel. 
Trombotica. I James II. Wolle. 

(. Augustus H. Leibcrt. 

Curneis, Lewis F. Bockcl, Adolph Degelow. 
French Horns, Ambrose H. Rauch, Bernhanl 

E. Lehman. 
F/iiica, Charles W. Roepper, Harry IL 

McNeal, Rufus A. Grider. 
Keltic DruniH, Frank A. Stuber. 
Oi'ynn, Mrs. Louisa Iluebener. 

"Although the state uf music in Bethle- 
hem, embracing a period of 128 years, has 
been sometimes over-rated by visitors, we 
believe that up to the yoar 1825, the Bethle- 
hem orchestra compared favorably with any 
other amateur organization of a like charac- 
ter in the United States. When the 'Musi- 
cal Fund Society of Philadelphia,' perform- 
ed the Creation, (or the first time, about 1819< 
the trombone parts could not be filled there, 
the performers were from Bethlehem ; Mr. 
Jedidiah Weiss being one of the three who 
performed on that occasion. Mr. Richard 
S. Smith, the well known veteran Under- 
writer of Philadelphia, lately remarked, 'I 
was one of the originators of the 'Musical 
Fund Society,' when wo gave our first yrand 
concert, in which Trombones were necessary, 
v.o had to send to Bethlehem for the per- 
f.irmors. They, and their large instruments 
were the centre of attraction. Trombones 
were a novelty in our orchestra, few in the 
audience had ever seen or heard one.' After 
tlie concert, one of our members said ho 
thought ho could learn to play on one of 
those big things, if ho had one, so one was 
accordingly purchased for him, and he took 
it home to practice on it. At the next meet- 
ine he was called upon to report progress ; 



which he did as follows : ' I took the irombon,: 
homo, and when I got there, the sitting room 
looked very cozy; the cat was curled up in 
front of the fire ; my wife was up stairs, and 
the baby was asleep in her cradle. I sat 
down to try my new instrument; I blew 
vigorously, a discordant blast was the result, 
the cat sprung to her feet in aflTright, with 
her hair on end, and her tail much enlarged, 
she gave me one astonished look, then tore 
furiously out of the room. I made another 
attempt, with the same result as to sound, 
which awoke the baby, she screamed with 
terror, I laid down the (romlo/ic, and walked 
the floor for an Iiour, with Miss Roberts in 
my arms.' The report created great laugh- 
ter." 

These brief extracts from Mr. Grider's in- 
teresting work, will give some idea of Jlniic 
in Ijcthleheni, and of his interesting work. 

In 1859, Mr. Lewis H. Weiss began to 
write 'The Annals of the Music of Betblo- 
hem." But as ho had removed from the 
town, he abandoned the work ; being too far 
from the necessary materials, which ismuch 
to be regretted. I have a copy of his unfin- 
ished manuscript, aud the ability displayed, 
leads those who have read it, to hope, that at 
some early day, Mr. Weiss will complete a 
work so well begun. 

In 1S70, a new band was organized under 
the name of the BclUlchem Comet Danil, v.ilh 
the following named persons as performers. 
Edward Be.nneb, Leader, J? come/ ; Guorgs 
Bkees, 77 coriicf; Gkorqe J. Maltili-vek, E 
clarinet; WlLLl.v>f M. SlGFRIi:n, E cornet; 
Henry Slider, E comet; Otto Grov.ser, li 
cornet; Lewis 8. Lilly, alto; Edward Iltj.vT, 
solo alto; Benjamin' Weber, alto; Mattrew 
Weiss, »oio tenor; W. Bacrman, /enor/PniLLip 
Sink, borrilone; George M. Bf.ckkl, »ol> 
hdrritone ; Samuel Simms, htmi ; AVilliam Ortt, 
laen; Robert IIeckman, bie»; EuorxE Jacobv, 
haM drum; Edward Clewell, snare dium; 
Jacod Voqnitz, enare drum; Stephex Kom- 
MILLER, ctfinbaU. 

The Sethlehem L^iderhranz held its first 
meeting on Saturday evening, October 29th, 
1870, in the hall of the Moravian Day School, 



BETHLEHEM, P E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



173 



agreeable to aoall of Charles W. Roepper, the 
original founder of the "Kranz." Twelve 
jiersous were present, and the society was 
duly organized by the election of the follow- 
ing officers. 

Presichtit. CHARLES W. ROEPPER. 

S-c-ijan.l rrras., GEORGE H. LUCKENBACH. 
Directors. 

M\TTiiF.w .T. Schmidt, George TI. Luckenbach and 

Prederick J. Rice. 

Conductor, "William K. Graber. 

Owning to the bad health of the secretary, 
of Matthew J. Schmidt, a director, the resig- 
nation of thepresident, and the insertion of a- 
new clause in the constitution, authorizing 
the election of a vice-president, a meeting 
of the society was called, and a new election 
was held to fill the vacancies, which resulted 
in the following choice of ofBcers. 

President, ABRAHAM S. SCHROPP. 

Vice PreMdent, HENRY O. BORHEK. 

Sec'yand Treas., AUGDSTUS H. LEIBERT. 

Directors, Frederick J. Rice, Theodore F. Levers 
and James T. Borhek, Jr. 

The following is a full list of the members 

of the society. 



Charlea "W. Roepper, 
Abraham S. Schropp, 
'William K. Graber, 



James T. Borhek, Jr., 
George H. Lnckenbach, 
Benjamin Riegel, 



Frank L. Wolle, 
Samuel Solt. 
James M. Schnabel, 
Augustus H. Leibert, 
Theodore F. Levers, 
CaeBar .Spiegler, 
Charles Prosser, 
Joseph A. Vt'eaver, 
George Hi'ss, 
Charles Schwartz, 
Clarance Crist, 
Claranct) A. WoUe, 
Frederick J. Rice. 



Joseph J. Beahm, 
U'lintus Jacoby, 
Franklin L. SussdorfT, 
Frantz Koegh-r. 
Cyrus V: Breder. 
Henry G. Borhtk, 
Frederck Miller, 
Edward Welden. 
Oliver A.Clewell, 
Ammon Gardiner, 
51ilton J. Hess, 
Adolpb Degelow. 
Slntth^w J. Schmidt, 



Bertine S. Erwin, .M. D. 

The society meets every Friday evening 
for practice, and frequently serenades its 
members and friends. It assisted at the 
concert of the Philharmonic society, which 
was given on March 2nd, 1S71, singing the 
following German songs, Abacli led vom Walde, 
"Farewell to the Forest," by Mendelsshon ; 
Die H-'«c7j( am Shein, the German campaign 
song, which took the audience by storm, an 
encore was demanded, but instead of repeat- 
ing it, the society sung 3Uin Wunch, i. e., " My 
Wish," which gave great satisfaction. 

This brings the history of music in Bethle- 
hem down to the present day, imperfectly, 
it is admitted ; but full enough to show how 
deeply the love of music is inherent in Hi 
people. 



174 



11 I S T U I C A L S IC U T C II I' 




h- 



All .u'lii^tiJi-Mn 

\mi^k\\\ ill 




■<'(i -S ifjirir^jji^i^ff^g*^ 



THE LEnir.n UMVEni?ITY. 
SOUTII BETHLETTEM, PA. — 1871. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
IJoROfUH Authorities. — Lawykiis and Pcji- 
Tous. — The Cboicb of Bishops by Lot. — .■iN 
Account or a "Vespeh" of the Moravian 
Historical Society.— Old Map op Bethle- 
hem IN THE Historical Society op Penn- 
sylvania. — The Married Peoples' Houses 
— Manokasy. — The Apothecary Shop.— 
Pottery. — Tobacco.— Silk.— Public Build- 
ings.— The Vineyards.— The Pennsylva- 
nia and Lehigh Zinc Co.— South Bethle- 
DEM.— The Paper Bag Manufactory.— 
New Street Bridge. — Volunteer Com- 
panies. — Toe Lehigh University. — The 
Freshet op Oct. 4, 1869.— The First Pub- 
lic Roads.— David Nitschman and His 
Company.- The Great Minmsink Trail.— 



The First Post Office.— The Mouk op 
Travel IS the Olden Timi.s. — The " Ciioivx 
Inn." — Stage Route from the ^Vl^D (Iap 

TO I'lIrl.ADEI.PHIA. 

Sl'->'iST of Chief Burgesses of Bethlehem, 
»>S^ since the year 1845. 



Chas. Aug. Luckonhni-It, 
J.ihn Matlhiw .MiU>'cli, 
Ernst F. HIeck, 
Jiicob Wollc, 
.Tortiilinh Weiss, 
rhillip II. Goipp. 



not^amin Van-Kirk, 
IMward II. Kaucb, 
IrHCortrlglit, 
Nathan BarlUlt. 
Charles F. Bick. I. 
C. Edward I'litiart. 



Anilirosp J. Erwiu. 



Samuel Bru.snlu Inia been clerk of Ctciirila since 
1S45, previous to which time, the n:unic:pal affairs of 
the town were ucdcr the direction of (i;e .^loraTiaa 
Church. 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



175 



LIST OF COUNCILS. 

Philip TT. Goepp, Charles W. Rauch, 

Hemy (jr. Oiietti^T, Louis F. Beckil. 

Benjamin Epgert, Solomon Steck.l, 

Lewis Doster. George Steinniuii. 

i'AUst F. Ill.cU. Henry T. Milcli^ack, 

^ViIlialll Lni-kiiib:ich, Jacob H. Lilly, 

Jt.hii M. Mik-cli. Jou;is Snvder, 

Charles L. Knaii-^:. Merritt Abb.itt, 

Ciirist an Lnckt- iib.ich, William Leibert, 

Joseph U. Taylor, Josiah George, 

Matiliew Krnu^e. Charles, Blank, 
Cti.ii'es An;;. Litcket'bach, Ambrose J. Erwin, 

.Inhn F. llnnrli, Charles Bodder, 

Williiim R. Hnffnagle, Henry S. Sellers, 

Jacob Liickeiibach, Francis E. HubLT, 

Matthew Brown, Lewis Doster, Jr., 

James T. Boihck, David O. Luckeubach, 

Aaron George, Isaac Walp, 

Anibroise H. Ranch, I). Uenry Bishop, 

Chr.stian P. Lnch, John K. Dich, 

John C. Malthaner, Richard W. Leibert, 

John Krause, Charles Fred'k KbL*rlin, 

CliarleB F. KremsfT, Wm. Frankenfield, 
Uri AUrah.im U. Uut'bener, John Opp, 

AViliiam Bit-h, Jacob J. Hoffman, 

Chrislian Lange, S;iniuel Snyder, 

t harU-s B. Daniel, Kufus A. Grider, 

\ViIliam ¥. Ritter, Jolm U. Yost, 

John Bergi.T, Charles E. Shoemakei', 

Siinan llaii, John B. Zimmcle, 

Ldward VN'einland, Eiwin Mushlitz, 

Peter Kieckner, Simon Kemmeror, 

Aaron W. Kadley. Louis Gerlach, 

C liarles F.dward Peisert, David H. Taylor, 

Charles F. Beckel, Joseph Wendell, 

John \VaIp, Jeremiah Bieber, 

fUibi'n O. Lnckenbach, William B. Rice, 

^'atban Barilctt, Jacob Fries, 
Daniel Desb. 

CONSTABLES. 

Chas. W. RaTicli, Permania RickBecker. 

George Reigli, Gilbert Van Fradeneck, 

A-.gnstus Belling, Chr. Lewis Kidd, 

Joel Shitz. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, from 1741 to 1S71, 

Timotiiy Ilor^field, John -F. Rauch, 

William Okely, Reuben S. Rauch, 

David Kliest. Samuel C. Shimer, 

Joseph Horsfield, James T. Borhek, 

Jacob Wolle, Benjamin F. Schnelier, 

Joseph Rice, Samuel Brnnner, 

William Rice, Abraham Myers. 

LLST OF LAWHTERS. 

Charles Brodhead. Kh|., J. Howard Burke, Esq.. 
William Emil Doster, " Lewis IL Stout. 
Alfred Christ, '• Frank Reeder, " 

William F. Hackett, " Walter S. Heilner, " 

In March, 1S71, Adolph Conradi was ap- 
pointed one of the Sanl Dtener's of the Beth- 
k-hom Moravian Congregation. 

At ptige 131, it is stated that Polly Hecke- 
we'.der was the onli/ daughter of the famous 
Missionary to the Indiana, which is erron- 
eous. He had two younger daughters, one 
of them married Joseph Rice, the other mar- 
ried Christian Luckenbach. Nor was she 
the first white child born in Ohio, as stated, 
but she was the first white /ema?e child born 
in that State. 

The Physicians of Bethlehem, in the past, 



as well as those of the present day, have been 
noted for a high degree of professional skill 
in their calling. Some of those now depart- 
ed, were not only eminent in their profes- 
sion, but were celebrated for their witty say- 
ings, or eccentricities, which have caused 
their names to be household ones in the 
place. Among these old time doctors may 
be mentioned : 

Dr. Matthew Otto, Dr. Abraham Stout* 

" John Fred'k Rudolphy, " Frederick Martin, 
" Jno. Fred'k A. Steckel, *' Abraham L. llatbener, 
•' Eberhardt Freytag, '• William Wilson, 

" Daniel Green, " Benjamin Wilhelm. 

The following Physicians are at present 

located in the town. 

Dr. Maurice C. Jones, Dr. Charles E. Humphreys, 

" Fred'k A. Firknr.lt " Jolm U. Wilson, 

" Augustine N.Leinbach, " John J. Wilson, 
" Abraliam Stout, " Bertine S. Erwin, 

" Edward H. Jacobson, " George S. Engler, 
Dr. John R. Goodman. 

Among the notables of Bethlehem there is 
an artist of no mean merit, De Witt C. Cou- 
TELLEj his picture of Niagara is the best repre- 
sentation of that famous natural curiosity 
yet painted. It embraces a view of the 
entire Fall, presenting a truthful picture, 
faithful to nature, and is exquisitely beauti- 
ful. 

The celebrated German painter, Gustavits 
Grcnewald, resided for many years in the 
town, but has now returned to his native 
country. 

Mr. Reuben 0. Luckenbach, who is a na- 
tive of Bethlehem, and has his residence 
there, has painted many beautiful pictures 
of the charming views in the vicinity. He 
is teacher of Painting and Drawing in the 
Young Ladies' Seminary. 

The following official notice will serve not 
only to complete the list of the Moravian 
Bishops, but also to show that the use of the 
Lot is still continued in the Church. 

" We areofficially informed by the Unity's 
Elders' Conference, that on the 7th day of 
July, 1S70, that body took into solemn con- 
sideration the request of our late Provincial 
Synod to have two new Bishops appointed 
for our Province, and that after mature de- 

* Dr. Stout, the elder, was an uncle of the present 
Dr. Stout, and of Lewis H. Stout, Esq. Dr. Maurice 
C. Jones studied medicine in his oflBce, and was his as- 
sistant. 



ITG 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



liberation it had been resolved In iniiko tiso 
of the Apostolic lot in deciding which of the 
four brethren who had been nominated 
should bo appointed as Bishops. According- 
ly, after fervent prayer, the names of tlie 
foi\r candidates, viz: the Kcvs. L. F. Kamp- 
inan, F. 11. Holland, E. de Sehweinitz and 
A. A. Reinke, were submitted to the Lord's 
decision by lot. The first name drawn was 
that of the Kev. Edmund de Sehweinitz, and 
tlicn followed tliatof Uev. Amadeus Reinke. 

" These two brethren, Revs. E. de Sehwei- 
nitz and A. A. Reinke, having therefore been 
constitutionally elected and confirmed as 
Bishojis, they will, (D. V.) be solemnly 
consecrated to tbeir sacred ofhcc, here at 
I'ethlehem, on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 
2S, 1S70. 

■' Wo hereby conlially coMinicnd thcni to 
the prayers of the Church. Lot it bo our 
united petition to the throne of grace that 
our Episcopacy may remain precious in the 
sight of the Lord, and that Ho may endow 
these brethren, with a large measure of His 
Holy Spirit, to the end that ' tliey may hold 
fist the faithful word, and be able by sound 
doctrine both to exhort and to convince 
gainsayers,' (Titus 1. 9.) and that they may 
* feed the Church of God which he has pur- 
chased with his own blood.' (Acts 20. 28.) 

"In the name of the Provinical Elders' 
Conference. 

r.OBEUT PK SCHWEINITZ, 

Preeiiioit, 

B.-tliUlicm Pn., .\ii^-ii3t '-7, ISTU." 

On Thank.«giving Day, November, 24, 1870, 
the Right Rev. John C. Jacobson, one of the 
senior Bishops of the Moravian Church in 
the Northern Province in the United States, 
departed this life at his residence in Bethle- 
hem, Pa., in the 76th year of his age. In 
Bishop Jacobson the Church loses one of her 
most devoted and active servants. lie had 
consecrated himself in early life fully to tlio 
work of a minister of Jesus Christ in the 
Moravian Church, and the completeness" of 
this devotion kept him during the long ser- 
vice of more than fifty years always active 
and diligent, always cheerful and hopeful. 

He was consecrated a Bishop of the Church 



at Litiz, Lancaster County, Pa., September 
15, 1854, in which ollice he served for the 
last time at the consecration of Bishops, in 
August of the present year. 

The funeral of tlie departed Bishop took 
place on Sunday, the first in Advent. The 
solemn services were conducted by the 
Bishops, De Sehweinitz and Shultze. The 
choir of the church at Bethlehem performed 
with wonderful power and pathos, " Blessed 
are the dead which dio in the Lord," from 
Spohr's " Last Judgment." Tlie coffin was 
borne to the grave by si.x clergymen of the 
Church. 

In the J/urnrmii for October 21, 1870, will 
be found the following interesting account 
of an "Annual 'Vesjier' of the Moravian 
Historical Society." 

" Many an uncertain mind was gladdened 
as the morning of the 19th of October, 1870, 
dawned bright and clear, and the sun poured 
forth its cheering raVs over the varied au- 
tumn landscape. This was the day on which 
the annual ' Vesper' of the Moravian His- 
torical Society was to be held, and whose ad- 
vent had so long been awaited by all those 
who love to spend an afternoon in the old 
fashioned Brethren's style ; in talking over 
the scenes of former days, and learning from 
the experience of the pioneers of our church 
in this country. Already in the forenoon 
the familiar faces of brethren and sisters 
from other congregations could be seen in 
the streets of Nazareth, all wending their 
way to the old church edifice, where the 
rooms of the Society are located. After spend- 
ing some time in examining the museum, 
with its numerous and interesting relics of 
ancient times, whose history alone would 
fi 1 volumes, our thoughts were suddenly 
called away from this subject by the ringing 
of several of thcold bells, mementoes of some 
of the first Moravian settlements in America. 
This was the signal for all to repair to tho 
tables, and there to enjoy all the pleasures 
of a genuine ' vesper.' A few minutes after 
two o'clock, the sixty-two members present 
were called to order by the President, Rev. 
Eugene Leibert, and after singing a hymn. 



B i; T II L i; 11 E II, P E N N S Y L V A X I A. 



177 



were informed that every one should help 
himself. Never was business more heartily 
and cheerfully engaged in. With such 
tempting pieces of real Moravian sugar-cake, 
bona fide rye bread, and fresh apple butter 
before him, how could any one be backward? 
" While the vesper progressed, various 
subjects of interest to the Society were dis- 
cussed, and under the blue clouds of smoke 
that soon overhung the assembly, many a 
peal of laughter resounded, as some gray- 
liaired sire recounted some adventure that 
he had had many years ago. Nor was more 
important business neglected. Theproposed 
purchase of the old 'Ephrata property' oc- 
cupied a considerable part of the attention 
of those present. This, comprising as it 
does, the venerable Whitefield House, would 
be a most desirable relic for the Society to 
possess, both to preserve it from the impious 
hands of modern 'improvement,' and as a 
suitable place in which the Historical So- 
ciety could have its museum- and rooms 
permanently situated. Although all appear- 
ed to appreciate the liberality of the price at 
which the property is oflfered(Sl,50n) and the 
appropriateness ofour having this interesting 
property iu our hands, no further action was 
taken than to recommend the subject to the 
favorable consideration of the Board of Mana- 
gers.* 

" While this question was being discussed, 
a cable dispatch received by the Provincial 
Elders' Conference was passed around, and 
perused with great interest. It contained a 
laconic announcement that Bro. Augustus 
Schultze had accepted a call as Professor iu 
the Moravian College at Bethlehem: ' Sl.uli^e 
hat angenommeu.* 

" Several relics also were at this time pre- 
sented to the Society. A nicely framed 
photograph of the old ' Kingsly House' at 
Wyalusing.buiUin 1768, by Moravian Indi- 
ans, under the direction of Heckewelder 
was, presented by Bro. Ed. Welles. Bro. 
Wm. Jordan presented a smaller copy of the 
same, while Dr. Maurice C. Jones donated a 



» The property has since been pnrchased by a well- 
knowD Moravian gentleman, and presented to tl,e 
Society. 



piece of wood and some mortar from this 
ancient structure. The latter gentleman 
likewise donated some Indian relics found 
in Wyalusing, and Miss Clara Henry, several 
wild plums, plucked from a tree in the set- 
tlement. A photogr.iph of the Whitefield 
House was presented by Bro. Wm. Jordan. 
Another very curious relic, presented by 
Mr. Lehr, was a Moravian catechism of the 
year 1730, as the title says, 'for the use of 
teachers who do not know bcff. r.' In read- 
ing the list of contributions of the last year, 
the President remarked that their number 
seemed to grow less and less as the Society 
grew older, and urged each member to strive 
to add to the museum by his personal exer- 
tions. 

"As Dr. Jones had, during the course of 
the year, made a visit to Wyalusing, he was 
called upon to give an account of his trip. 
He said that his party had explored the old 
'Kingsley House' from cellar to garret, and, 
that nothing had escaped their curiosity. 
Prom a tree which Heckewelder had plant- 
ed, they gathered some apples, which they 
pronounced excellent, but Dr. Jones, as he 
did not get any, considered tliom rather 
sour. 

"A very interesting account of the fire de- 
partment of former times iu Moravian set- 
tlements was given by Bro. Jedidiah Weiss, 
who had himself risen from the ranks of a 
common fireman to the distinguished office 
of Fire Inspector. At first, he said, all the 
responsibilities of this office rested' on the 
clergy; but later, when ministers were no 
longer as "smart" as formerly, a special olii- 
cer had to be elected, whose duty it was to 
visit every house in the settlement, to in- 
spect all the stoves, chimneys, Ac, and to 
advise all the house-wives to maintain con- 
stant caution and vigilance. 

"Thus, divided oetween pleasure and busi- 
ness, interspersed with a plentiful supply of 
wit and anecdote, the afternoon passed swift- 
ly by, and after a resolution had been pass- 
ed, requesting the President to appoint some 
person or persons to prepare papers on his- 
torical subjects, to be read at the next annual 
Vesper, the meeting adjourned. Slowly and 



178 



11 1 ;; T 11 1 c A L ski: 7 c u r 



reluctantly each one prepared to leave for 
Ilia home, and as we Bepaiuted, there waa 
none who did uot say that tl»e aftcrno(>n had 
been pleasantly and profitably spent, God 
willing, there should not one such anniver- 
sary be held in tlio future at which he would 
uot he present." 

At this meeting Part IV. of the "Transac- 
tions of the Moravian Uistorical Society" 
was issued. It contains a "Sketch cf the 
History of the Bible in Bohemia," by Wil- 
liam G. Maliu, a very interesting and valu- 
able paper, and " The Kstablishmcnt of the 
Moravian Congregations in Ohio," by Jesse 
Elickensderfer, a sketch that contains much 
new and interesting information. All mem- 
bers of the Society are entitled to a copy of 
the Transactions. 

The town of Bethlehem was founded with- 
in the limits of Jincks Cuiinl;/, and on the 10th 
of March, 1746, the inhabitants presented a 
petition to the Court for the formation of a 
Township, which was granted, although it 
was not surveyed and laid out till the year 
17C2, when it was done by Ueorgk (ioi.Kow- 
SKV. The names of the petitioners were, X.\- 
TiiANiAL Seidki., Hexhy Antes, John Ei;owx- 
FiEiD, Samuel Powell, Matthia-s AVeiss, 
Jons Okelv,FbedehickCammeiiiioff, Geouge 
Xr.issEii, CiinisTOPHEit PvnLEis, James BtrnN- 
siDE, Joseph Powei.!., Jasper Payne, and 
Joseph Spangenbehg. 

After the dissolution of the " OJcononi}-," 
in 1702, Lois in Bethlehem were sold to the 
following individuals, each of whom soon 
erected dwellings thereon for the use of their 
families: Andrew EonHEK, llVaicr/ Wil- 
liam BoEHLER, Whcelmritjht ; LuDWlo IIuLB- 
LNER, /'ofiitr/ Daniel Klnkler, Shopkeeper; 
George Suindlek, Carpenter ; Francis Thom- 
as, Joiner; Dkwalt Kuknman, SkindresKr. 
Borne of the houses already erected by the 
Society were also sold; 1If.nry Khaise, 
r.utehcr, and Gottleib Lange, Saddler, and 
some others, each purchased a house. 

There is a very valuable and excellent oM 
map of a part of Bethlehem, drawn on the 
1 2th of January, 1757, now in the possession 
of the Ilistorical Society of Pennsylvania, 



hanging in a conspicuous place in their Li- 
brary rooms in Philadelphia. The bouses 
and farm buildings on the west side of Main 
Street, and the mills on the Manckasyare 
not represented on the plan ; it contains only 
that portion of the town situated on the east 
side of Main Street, together with some jiro- 
jectcd buildings, including the Tavern, (now 
known as the " Sun Hotel,") which were af- 
terwards erected, but not altogether in ae- 
cordauco with the plan. It is quaintly writ- 
ten in German on the western side of the 
map, that "The rest of Bethlehem is down 
below here." 

The chief point, however, in connection 
with this old relic, is the fact, that upon the 
lot where the large Moravian Church now 
stands, there was, as appears on the map, two 
large log houses, and not one, as has been 
hereinbefore stated, at page 19. One stood 
at the south-east corner of the lot, near tlus 
Gemein Ilaus, and was called the JIurried 
Mcii'» House-; the other stood at the north- 
west corner of the church lot, and was known 
as the Married Wome»*9 I/onse, These houses 
were used by, and called Tlie JJarried Pcoplc'f 
Iluusca. Having sought for more lighten the 
subject, I received a note from .Mr. John Jor- 
dan, Jr., of Philadelphia, the well known An- 
tiquarian and Bibliographer, in which he 
says, "You are correct in your surmise in 
regard to the occupance of separate houses 
by the married people after the time Bethle- 
hem was settled, and I think the custom 
continued until the change of the (Economy 
in 17C2, or thereabout. The separation was 
of course but partial, and worked well so 
long as the enthusiasm which distinguished 
our early settlors lasted." 

Thii e.xplains the foot note to page l."J i f 
the History of Lehigh Valley, which is as 
follows : " Married people met together on-Iy 
once or twice a week. The Brother lived in 
the Men's House, and the Sister in the Wo- 
men's House. For some years there v.as a 
lack of dwelling houses." 

The Rev. Wm. C. Reichel, who is now en- 
gaged in writing a full and e-^haustive his- 
tory of Bethlehem for the Ilistorical Society 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



179 



of Pennsylvania, a Moravian minister, a 
resident of Bethlehem, the author of the 
" Bethlehem Souvenir," and of the " Histori- 
cal Sketch of Nazareth Hall," who examin- 
ed the old map with me, says, " The prac- 
tice of keeping the married people separate 
M-as abolished about 1747 or 1748. 

On the map it will be noticed that Main 
Street, as now laid out, is called The new road 
to Eurnside, and that The old road to Burnside 
is also indicated. James Burnside was born 
in Ireland, in 1708, emigrated to Georgia in 
1 734, and in August, 1746, became a member 
of the Moravian Church, llis farm (now 
Benjamin G. Unaugst's) was situated near 
Bethlehem, and the road led to it. He was 
the first member from Northampton Conntj/ 
in the Provincial Assembly. He died at his 
farm-house on the 8th of August, 1755. 

The illustratiuu heading Chapter 3rd, page 
10, represents the " Water Tower," as attach- 
ed to the west end of the "Married Men's 
House," which v.-as not the case, it only ap- 
peared so in taliing the view. The Tower, 
in fact, stood in the centre of the church lot, 
and between the I.Ir.rricd lien's and "Wo- 
men's Houses. 

There was a bird's eye view of Bethlehem, 
dated 1705, published for sale at the Fair of 
the U. S. Sanitary Commission„in 1864, held 
in Logan Square, Philadelphia, which gives 
a correct representation of the two old build- 
ings referred to, and their position on the 
Church lot. The " Married Women's House" 
was in 1754 used as a school-house for the 
boys. (See Life of Heckewelder, page 33, 
showing that Mr. Eeichel is correct.) 

The building on the old map, referred to 
in the "Explication" thereon, as the " Boy's 
Institute,"- and which I have called the 
'•■ Nursery," was, so says Mr. Eeichel, "built 
for the use of the Married Men, and was at 
one time occupied by^»e divisions of them." 
During the Indian Wars, all the children 
were gathered together from Nazareth, and 
the other Moravian towns, and brought to 
Bethlehem for protection; the srnaller child- 
ren were placed in this building in charge of 
some of the Sisters cf the Bethlehem Congre- I 



gation, detailed for thai purpose; hence the 
common name of the old House, torn down 
during the summer of 1870, to make room for 
the new Publication Office of the Moravian 
Church. All the old residents of the town 
called it " The Nursery;" I have followed 
their example. It was sometimes called the 
" Old (Economy Building." 

Mrs. Friday says," The Nursery was an in- 
stitution which was formed by the necessity 
of circumstances. The great amount of labor 
to be done in the building of houses, clearing 
the lands, farming, procuring building ma- 
terials, ic., besides keeping constant watcli 
night and day, made it necessary that every 
means should be taken to bring all the re- 
courses of the inhabitants to bear. The fe- 
males couM assist in farming, such as rake 
hay, spread grass, plant and hoe potatoes and 
corn, husk corn, load hay, A-c. ; but mothers 
were prevented by their children. A Nuns- 
EKY was (hereupon instituted, where child- 
ren two years of age were taken and raiseil 
under the supervision of the Church. To 
this institution many objections were found; 
it did not work as well as desired, and as 
soon as the CEcononnj was abolished, (having 
things in common), the Institution was dis- 
continued. It must be said however, that 
although the children so raised had not the 
parental feelings as those raised by the afl'ec- 
tionate mother, yet some of the best citizens 
Bethlehem ever had were so brought up. In 
those days Economy ruled; in order to save 
paper, pen and ink, the children were taught 
at school to write with uncut quills on press- 
ed sand." 

In the same " Explication," on the oldmap, 
" The Corpse House" is called " The House 
for the bodies of the Lambs of God," at least 
that is the literal translation of the sentence, 
for the "Explication" is written in the Ger- 
man language. Near the corner of Main and 
Market Streets, standing in the street, is an 
erection marked 0, which was the " Watch 
Tower," built during the first Indian Wars, 
in 1755. 

A company of gentlemen have recently 
purchased the high hill and plain west of 



ICO 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



I!etliIehom, which is Boparated from Iho 
t )wn by the JIunokasy Creek, and have 
built a handsome iron bridge across that 
ttrcam at Broad Street, connecting their land, 
which is now being laid out in lots, with the 
town. This now part of tlio town is called 
V.'est Bethlehem, 

The JIaxokasv (this mode of spelling is 
my own, and is in accordance with the pro- 
luiucialion of the name) Creek runs through 
I'.iO town and empties into the Lehigh at the 
footof KisliV Hill. The old Moravians call- 
ed this creek the Mundhen, with an acute ac- 
cent over the second a. lleekewelder says 
the Indian name was J/cun^nm', with au 
acute accent over the first a, meaning "a 
creek with many bends." The Rev. \Vm. C. 
Reichel, the well known Moravian author 
and antiquarian, writes the name Manakasv, 
with au acute .-.ccent over (he first two a's in 
the name, this gives the word in the German 
]ironuncialion the same sound as my sjicll- 
ing, Maxokast. The name has of late been 
rendered Monoccacy, while it is pronounced 
JIaiiokasy, which is absurd. There is a 
river in Maryland, and an Island in the 
Susquehanna, near Wilks-Earre, both called 
the Jl/oiivccari/ , and I hope the Bethlehcmitcs 
will call their creek by its proper name here- 
after, and write the name as it is pronounced 
in English and German, 3Ianokany, 

Manockissee, is another erroneous mode of 
spelling the name of this creek. Almost al- 
ways during the summer months, the bed of 
the creek, a few miles north of Bethlehem, 
becomes as dry as the surrounding " Dry- 
lands," through which it has its course. It 
owes its existence entirely to the springs in 
its vicinity, many of which are in its very 
bed, as can easily be seen during the dry 
f pell of any one of our summers. Monockiccy, 
is the way Rupp, in his History of North- 
ampton County, page 79, spells the name of 
the creek. 

There was an old Indian Chief, called J/o- 
nok'jUichaii, living about 17IJ7, it may be pos- 
sible that the name of the creek has some 
connection with him. 

" The Apothecary Shop," or first Drug 



Store in Bethlehem, was kept in the house 
now owned and occuiiied by Simon Rau, oa 
Main Street, near the Moravian Church, and 
which he uses for (he same purpose. Dr. 
Matthew Otto was the first Apothecary in the 
town, and in (he County. He established his 
Laboratory about 17-lJi The medicines were 
prepared with great care, and were sent to 
Philadelphia, where they were in much de- 
mand. The profits from this source by the 
economy were larger than from any other 
kind of manufacture carried on in the vil- 
lage. In 17[2, Timothy llorsfield is si)okcu 
of as having been in charge of the Apothe- 
'cary Shop, and after him,EberhardFreytag 
conducted the business for the Society. 
There are now many very handsome Drug 
Stores in the town; the most extensive of 
which is owned and conducted by Matthew 
M. Selfridge, on JIain Street, opposite the 
" Eaglo Hotel." His business is both by 
wholesale and retail. Edward T. Myers 
owns also a fine Drug establishment on 
Main Street. He occupies a portion of the 
building as his residence. His lot was for- 
merly included in the " Sun Hotel" j>roper- 
ty, and was purchased by him only a few 
years ago. 

Thcmanufacturoof Pottery was extensive- 
ly carried on by Lewis Huebener, about thj 
year 17S2,aud jircviously. Itwasone of the 
first branches of industry carried on in tho 
town. Ajiple-buttcr making in those days 
was universal in tho vicinity, and when tho 
fruit was abundant, the demand for the 
earthen crocks, in which it was put, was 
often so great, that all could not be supplied. 
A most excellent preserve is apple-butter; 
but nothing like the quantity is made now, 
tho apple trees seem to be dying out in Penn- 
sylvania; ploughing up the apple orchards 
injures the trees and retards their growtli. 
There are in the old gardens in Bethlehem, 
apple trees still bearing immense quantities 
of fruit; the size of those old patriarchs is 
something astonishing. 

Mr. Huebener manufactured tiles for the 
floors in houses ; sromo can bo seen in tho 
" Sister's House ;" also tiles for the largo 



B E T U L E II E JI, r E N N S Y L V A N I A. 



181 



stoves, made after the fashion of those stiU 
in use in Germany. Tiles were also made 
for roofing purposes; and the hardware store 
of IIenrv S. Krause, in Main Street, is 
roofed with some of them, which are as per- 
fect as when first made. Some other ancient 
structures are also covered with these old 
tiles. Pipe heads were also made in large 
quantities. Occasionally small quantities of 
tobacco are raised in the vicinity of Bethle- 
hem, and the manufacture of segf rs engages 
the attention of a large class of people on the 
line of the North Pennsylvania Rail Road, 
at the present time. 

In 1771, the Society for the Culture of Silk, 
located iu the city of Philadelphia, awarded 
the premium of £10 for the greatest quantity 
of cocoons above twenty thousand, to Joanna 
Etmein, of Bethlehem. P.eeled silk was ex- 
tensively manufactured iu Pennsylvania 
about this time, and sent to England to be 
woven and returned. The Society prepared 
during this season, one hundred and fifty 
pounds of reeled silk of such quality, as sold 
in England for twenty and twenty-five shil- 
lings per pound, exclusive of the Pari iament- 
ary bounty. 

The following article, cut from the Eaeton 
Seniinel, for June, 1S34, introduces a veil 
known inhabitant of Bethlehem and "a 
mawmoth trout. General Cadwalader and 
lady, of Philadelphia, being on a visit to 
Bethlehem, Pa., Mr. George H. Goundie pre- 
sented to Mr. Zeigler, of the Eagle i/oftj, one 
of the largest irook trout perhaps ever known 
in this country, which was served up in his 
best style, at a dinner on last Monday to the 
General and lady, and a party o'' ladies and 
gentlemen of Bethlehem. Tne trout meas- 
ured 22 inches in length, 19 inches in cir- 
cumference, and weighed 7J pounds; it was 
raised by Mr. Jacob Schneider, of the Lehigh 
Water Gap, who has kept it for the last six 
years in a trough in the second story of his 
house. We understand Mr. Goundie, of Beth- 
lehem, has about 400 fine trout yet in his 
trout house, measuring from 10 to 17 inches 
in length." 

Dr. John Feedtrick Augustus Stec:»ei,, 



was a Swedish Physician, who resided for 
a number of years in Bethlehem. He was 
full ot/nn, wit and anecdote. His language 
\ras an odd mixture of Swedish, German and 
English, and it was said that " Dr. Steckel 
spoke no language." The following lines 
are attributed to him, or what is more pro- 
babie, are written in imitation of his pecul! ir 
mode of speech. 

FAEETFELL TO lU.TULEUEM. 

By Dr. John Frederick Augustus Stecksl, 
November 24th, 1826. 

Oh BethleheDi dou'rt not the leasht, 

In Judas Coiindry in de Easht, 

I'on Belhlehem here in Imniidashon, 

Were Bilgrinia come frum every uashou 

T: Bee the wonders dat are dolt 

Wit dose gued friends I oft did go 

To show and dell them all 1 knovr, 

Of Judas lanti '^ould not dell 

■Where Sheperds mit dere eheep diJ dwell; 

But as d is is a new creashon 

Of harmless lamhs of e-'ery nashon, 

Who know dere Sheperd's voice and view 

Do Bath he leads, and him persuo 

Dat Basture wich did feed dat Flock 

Bermitted friends at tree o'clo< k 

Do witness all doro Edneashou 

Dere science great and r-creashon 

Mit music charms — Angelic strain 

Were Joy and bleasure bani^^h Bail', 

All dose enjoyments I dil view 

Must leave them all and bit Adieu 

Oh Lehigh! dou shweet stream dat rolls, 

Enlivent by dine ArJ:s wit Coals 

May prosperous dy commerce free 

Dy floating arks returning be, 

Wit passengers from ev'ry nashon 

Tu visit Bethlehem's 6itua--^hon ; 

No more dose scenes I shall survey, 

Dy burling stream dat flows to gay, 

Dy Cloves, dy Isle, dy Cry;;litall Spring 

We wistom shtrength and beauty sing. 

Where Choirs of Angf Is bj us glite 

Wit dere fair Nurses by their side 

Embark in safe ,Abbotto3' barge 

And on KaUibso's Islrtnd march, 

Enjoy di:Te habbiness and sing. 

]\Iake rocks and valca sbvveet echoes bring 

Dose shweet deli.;;ht3 I oft dit view 

^lUSt leave dem all and bit adieu 

And since it^ru fate has bit me pi. 

Do all my friends I bit adieu : 

1 leave you all wit great regret 



ISi 



n I S T 11 I C A L P K K T C ir OF 



V'-ur bh'S^iDg ttliiill ntti'uil my Hpccd 
Your (iymbathctic sorrows kluim 
My wnrmust tAQkii, accept de enmo, 

Fiirovcll my fru-ruls. fato bits mo go, 
Fnrewell my noighbors all — Adieu 
No more I'll Sfc doee tender scenes 
Were lovely you!s wideB dere deons 
Mit dears of Joy dere frienta did mt'ot 
Or imrt wid dom wit sore rej^et 
My heart dit melt wit teuderness 
1>0 see tbeir Joy or sore regret 
From scenes like deso 1 now must go, 
And bit my dear youug friends adieu ; 
Your joyful hearts wid mine dit glow 
On all tccashons you dit show 
IThen joyfull med on feshdel days 
To celebrade our Saviour's praiso 
Wit muuic, Joyful hymns dit sing 
Do glory of our heavenly King, 
But all is lost 1 Fate bite me go 
Farewell fair sisters all — Adieu, 
Now Flora, beautilul and gity. 
Do dime is come, I musht obey, 
1 worsbib'd dee all day and night, 
I>y fragrant blushus were my delight 
Not mine alone, but all mankind 
Di<i by dero breseuce pleasure fiut 
But ftitc decrees dat I must go, 
And leave you now, and bit adieu. 
No more I hear the serenading, 
Mitin thy Bowry consecrating, 
Mit soft harmonious symphony, 
Mit bleasing notes and cheerful gleo. 
No more doso airs, dat gentle dell, 
De shwcetest sound, De Convent Bell ; 
From all dose scenes mit grief I go 
Aud bit fair Flora now adieu. 
De t^ignal sounts, it calls mo fort. 
It points to Sout, I have do Nord ; 
IV'rliaps to Easht, perhaps to Wesht, 
Wich bleases God is for de best, 
No wife, no child, laments for me, 
From dose afllicsions I am fre«, 
Farewell my fronts, fato bits mo go 
Farewell! Farewell I once more adieu. 



On tho 2nd of January, 1871, " The 
Widow's Society, of BelHehem," celebrated 
its 100th Anniversary, at that place. One 
hnmlred members of the Society from Nazar- 
eth and Bethlehem, ■were present at the 
meeting and partook of a social Love-feast; 
the Right Kev. Brother, Bishop Edmund de 
Schweinitz, presiding. 



The name of tho Society does not fully ex- 
press its object, which is, to insure to the 
widows of tho deceased members, a yearly 
dividend, the income being divided pro rata 
Dinong the claimants. Members are received 
at any age, the custom has, however, been to 
permit young men to become members upon 
their marriage, on their paying a subscrip- 
tion fee of fifty dollars. There are no other 
payments to be made to the Society, cxecpt 
by such as join after they are fifty years 
old, in that case, they pay annually, in ad- 
dition to the entrance fee, one dollar. 

The Society was organized January 1st, 
1771. The first payments amounted to £050, 
Pennsylvania currency. That sum was 
loaned to Jamcs Bi:n.\siDE, on a mortgage on 
the Kftin liulinn Miaaion property, which had 
been purchased by him. 

In 1821, the Society was chartered by tho 
Legislature. The invested assets of the cor- 
poration now amount to the sum of $32,000. 

Any male member of the JIuravian Church 
in America, being in sound health, may be- 
come a member of the Society, and his widow 
after his death, will receive her pro rata 
share of the yearly income of the Society 
during the remainder of her life. 

The present officers of the Society are : 

John Matthew Miksch, Pretident. 

RiDOi.PH RACcn, Treamrer. 

Rev. Ambrose Rosdthaleh, Seerclan/. 

Bethlehem has some few public buildings 
viz : — Tho Citizen^a, Concert, Jiftiaonic, and 
Christian Association Halls, used for the 
meetings of the respective societies, and for 
such other societies as arecommonin Ameri- 
can towns. 

The first National Bank of Bethlehem has 
a handsome banking house on Main Street, 
nearly opposite the Sun Hotel, with a fine 
dwelling attached for the cashier. Charles 
Augustus Luckenback is the President of the 
Institution. 

The Viiiei/nrja, on tho west bank of the 
Manokasy Creek, where the attempt was 
made to cultivate the grape, and failed ; has 
been cut up into building lots, and is now 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



183 



covered by the houses and gardens of Ihe 
thriving village of West Bethlehem. 

In 1S53, the Pennsylvania and Lehigh 
Zinc Company's works were erected on the 
lands of the " Crown Farm," and have be- 
come the nucleus of quite a large town. It 
was first laid out by Charles Augustus Luck- 
euback, in 1S49, and called v1k(;m«(o, the name 
was after changed in 1S54, and the town 
called WetheriU, out of compliment to Col. 
Samuel 'Wetherill, one of the projectors of 
the place. Subsequently the name wag again 
changed to Bethlehem Suuih, and finally, in 
1SG5, it was incorporated as a borough under 
its present name of Sonrn BETULnHEM, and 
Louis F. Beckel, elected Chief Burgess. At 
the present time, Elisha P. Wilbur is the 
Chief Burgess ; and the town contains a popu- 
lation of about 3,556 souls. 

The Zinc Works were put in operation in 
the fall of the year 1S53. These works were 
built by Col. Samuel Wetherill, for the pur- 
pose of making the White Oxide of Zinc 
under his Patents. Spelter was first made 
here from Lehigh ores, in 1S54, and for seve- 
ral years thereafter costly experiments were 
made by Col. Wetherill, to discover mixtures 
of refractory clay which would stand the 
heat required to make zinc ; in 1S5S, he dis- 
covered a satisfactory mixture, and adopted 
apian, which was not completed when the 
"Great Rebellion" broke out. Then the man 
of science, like a gallant gentleman, dropped 
his crucibles and retorts, and entered the 
service of his country. as a Captain of cavalry 
in the 11th regimentof Pennsylvania volun- 
teers, September 25, 1861, with a company 
raised by his own exertions, and served with 
distinction until he was mustered out as a 
Major, on October 1, 1SG4, after having par- 
ticipated in forty-two battles and skirmishes, 
without having received a wound. Cn the 
13th of March, 1865, he was brevetted a 
Lieut. Colonel for his services before Eich- 
mond, Va. 

In the meantime, the Zinc Company had 
imported skilled laborers from France, and 
put in practice the French process with great 
success. 



In 1864, they erected the first sheet zinc 
rolling mill in the United States. And on 
the 1st of April, 1865, the first sheet zinc 
ever made in America, was rolled there un- 
der the direction of Professor Alexander 
Trippel. 

The Company's mines are situated near 
thevillageof Friedensville, inSaucon Valley, 
about four miles south of Bethlehem, on the 
old Post Road to Philadelphia, and close to 
the southern side of the Lehigh Hills. The 
ore is hauled to the works, over the hills by 
hotse-teams. The largest mine is known by 
the name of the Ueberroth Zinc Jline. This 
deposit of zinc ore was first discovered by 
Wni. Theodore Roepper, (Professor, now, of 
Mineralogy and Cieology, in the Lehigh 
University,) in the year 1845. 

The structures erected by the " Bethlehem 
Iron Company," in South Bethlehem, for 
their Iron Works, are a splendid series of 
buildings, of magnificent proportions, and 
attract great attention. The works have now 
been in successful operation for over ten 
years, under the very able superintendence 
of Mr. John Fritz, of Bethlehem. 

A Paper Bag Manufactory was started iu 
Bethlehem in 1854, by Mr. Francis Wolle, 
the inventor, and i3 called the Union Paper 
Bag Machine Company* 

Bethlehem baskets, very handsome and 
very strong, are a specialty with some Mo- 
ravian folks in the vicinityof the town; they 
make them of all sizes, and being very dura- 
ble, they find a ready sale. 

There are some comfortable old fashioned 
chairs manufactured in the town by Michael 
Stuher. called Bethlehehem chairs, which 
have quite a reputation in Philadelphia and 
New York, and are In much demand. Some 
of the queer old chairs made and used in 
Bethlehem when it was first settled, are still 
to be found in many old residences, and in 
the Museum of the Missionary Society; being 
made of boards, they look stiff, and are hard 
and uncomfortable to sit upon. They are of 
the kind quite common to be seen in German 
paintings, even of the present day, and are 
still in use in some parts of Germany. 



1S4 



HISTOKICAL SKETCH OF 



BetUlcliem has many handsome private 
resiliences, liut the most deserving of notice 
in that respect, ia the one erected by Dr. 
Frederick Martin, at the northwest corner 
of Market and High Streets. Dr. Martin, 
also built afterwards a very handsome house 
on the highest point in South Bcthleliem, 
now owned and occupied by Robert F. Pac- 
ker. John Leroh has erected a very fine 
private residence for bis family, on Market 
Street; as have also Owen Mack, and 
John B. Ziiiiiuclo. 'Weston Dodson, Augustus 
Wollo, Abraham S. Schropp, Cornelius M. 
Knauss, Charles Brodhead, Esq., Ambrose J. 
Erwin, Richard W. Leibert, and others, have 
handsome residences. 

There are but few indications now of 
Bethlehem being a Moravian settlement, 
In lS-;2, the " lease system" was abrogated, 
and the land soU on irredeemable ground 
rents. In lS-15, the town was incorporated 
.'.3 a borough ; and iu 1851, the ground rents 
were made redeemable; since then the town 
has rapidly increased in size and population. 
Portions of the old town alone retain in some 
degree its ancient characteristics : the manu- 
factories being mostly contined to the vi- 
cinity of the river, railroads and canal, while 
on the Hill are built the residences of the 
increasing populatijn. 

InlSC7,tho"^ew Street BridgcCompany" 
wa3 incorjioratcd, and the hridje, 1170 feet 
iu length, was constructed of wood, standing 
on eight piers, spanning the Lehigh and 
Susquehanna Railroad, the Lehigh Canal, 
the Manokasy Creek, the Sand Island, the 
Lehigh River, and the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
rDad, and connects the two towns of Bethle- 
hem and South Bethlehem. It was first 
opened for travel ou the 21st day of August, 
1EG7, although no tolls were taken till the 
first of September. The toll-housr, erected 
in ISny, is a fine brick office, with a com- 
f'lrtablo dwelling attached, for the family of 
the toll-keeper, it stands on the east side of 
the northern extremity of the bridge. The 
bridge is a very handsome and graceful struc- 
ture; nnd the fine views from it of the sur- 
rounding country , make it a place of frequent 



resort for all visitors to the town. The origi- 
nal cost of this bridge wa3$CS,000. 

The Broad Street Bridge, which was com- 
pleted and opened for travel in the month of 
April, 1871, connects the old portion of the 
town with the new part, now rapidly build- 
ing, called Wcit Bethlehem. The new struc- 
ture is of iron, extending across the deep 
ravine down which the Manokasy flows in 
its course through the town. The bridge 
ia a very high and graceful afl'air, with a 
roadway for vehicles, and side walks for 
passengers; and from it there are exten- 
sive views up and down the Manokasy. This 
bridge was constructed by Samuel E. Dick- 
son, of New Haven, Connecticut. It is 4C0 
feet in length, and 70 feet above the water. 
The superstructure is of wrought iron, upon 
cast iron piers, the parts are fastened to- 
gether with hot rivets, of which there were 
38,000 used. The entire cost of the erection 
was about $50,000. 

The handsome Episcopal church in South 
Bethlehem, was built in the year 1864, and 
the Rectory iu ISOB. The Rev. E. N. Potter, 
son of the late Bishop Alonzo Potter, of 
Pennsylvania, was the first rector, and was 
succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Nevin, better 
known during the Rebellion as the comman- 
der of " Xevin's Celebrated Battery of Ar- 
tillery." The Rev. Cortland Whitehead is 
the present incumbent. 

Since the insertion of the Military Record 
of Bethlehem, there has been quite a revival 
in martial afi"airs in the vicinity. Gen. 
James L. Selfridge, having been appointed 
by Governor Geary, Division Commander, 
with the ran V of Major General, and several 
volunteer companies formed, viz : — Selfridge 
Guard), Company A, organized Dec. 15, 1870, 
James S. Roney, Captain; C. O.Zcii/eti/utatist 
Lieut.; Jfillon A. Bcalnt, 2nd Lieut.; Ser- 
geants, Frederick J. Rice, Orderly, Clinton T. 
■\Veaver, George, D. Myers, Ammon A. Gard- 
ner, Victor A. Desh ; Corporals, Geo. B. Fick- 
art, Joseph P. Miller, William F. Beckel, 
George M. Wilhelm, Charles Keller, Albert 
Kleckner, Edward BorhcI;,nnd 43 privates. 

Sc'/ridjc Guard*, Compaiiif B.. J, Alfred 



BETHLEnEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



18; 



Mokrj Coptaiu J Vaiiiel Fatzhifjer, Ist Lieut. ; 
Francis Engle, 2nd Lieut., and 49 men. 

And iu South Bethlehem the Wilbur 
Guards, organized in August, 1S70, J/. J. 
Whertie, Csi^t&m ; Uickael Bor/le, Isi Lieut.; 
M. J. Ryan, 2nd Lieut., and 45 non-com- 
missioned officers and privates. 

The LEHIGH UNIVERSITY is located in 
South Bethlehem. The college went into 
operation on Sep. 1st, A. D. 1865, with a 
class of forty-three students, (See programme 
of Examination of June 25, 1867,) with Col. 
Henry Coppee, L. L. D, a graduate of the 
U. S. Military Academy at "West Point, as 
President. 

This magnificent institution owes its ex- 
istence to the generosity of Asa Packer, who 
of his own volition, in the year 1865 appro- 
priated out of his large private fortune, the 
sum of $500,000, and fifty-six acres of land 
on the north side of the Lehigh hills, for the 
purpose of founding this educational insti- 
tute. 

The design of the founder in making this 
munificent endowment, was to provide for 
the young men of Lehigh Valley the means 
of acquiring such a complete professional 
education, as would fit them for the practical 
and active pursuits of this country. This 
view is to be kept continually iu mind, so 
that civil engineering, mining, chemistry, 
metallurgy, agriculture and railway con- 
truction, are to be the chief branches. 

"University Day," June 24, 1869, was 
held iu the chapel of the magnificent pile 
known as " Packer Hall," where the first 
pupils of the college graduated, their names 
were J. Haynes Corbin, Barbadoes, W. I.; 
Miles Rock, Lancaster, Pa. ; Chas. E. Ron- 
aldson, Philadelphia; Charles W. Roepper 
and Clarence A. WoUe, Bethlehem, Pa. 

Previous to the erection of Packer Hall, 
the lecture rooms and students' quarters, 
were located at " Christmas Hall," once the 
Moravian Mission Chapel in South Bethle- 
hem, now included in the grounds of the Uni- 
versity. Charles Brodhead, Esq., of Bethle- 
hem, presented the University with seven 
additional acres of ground, and Mr. Robert 



H. Sayre erected at his own expense, an 
Astronomical Observatory on the grounds of 
the Institute, for the use of the students. 

The course of study lasts for four years. 
The first two years of the student are devoted 
to such elementary branches as are needful 
to fit a young man for any profession or 
business iu life he may afterwards see pro- 
per to follow. The last two years are given 
to the study of any particular branch the 
pupil may decide upon as the one necessaiy 
to success in the business he intends to pur- 
sue during life. The approximate expenses 
for tuition,™ board, books, and washing, may 
be set down as a maximum of $350 per year. 
There are two competitive scholarships in 
each class, which entitle the gainers to room 
rent, board and tuition, free for the success- 
ful academic year. It is to be hoped that 
the college may be endowed by men of 
wealth with more such scholarships; the 
rules of the Institute permit it, and the 
scholarship will bear the name of the person 
making the endowment. Partial courses 
may also be taken by such as desire to study 
only some particular branch taught in the 
College, in which they desire to become pro- 
ficient. 

The faculty of the University consists at 
present, of 

Henry Coppee, President, 

Professor of Ilistory and English Litorataro. 
PROFESSORS. 



Kev. Eliphalet Kott Pottek, M. A., 

Professor of Moral and Mental Philusopby and of 

Christian Evidences. 

CnAJRLES F. Chandler, successor to 

Charles Mayer Wetherill, Ph. D., M. D.,t 

Professor of Chemistry. 

Htero B. Hekr, in place of 

* By a late further gift of Judge Packer, tuition 13 . 
given free of charge. 

f Dr. Charles Mayer Wetherill, Ph. D., Professor of 
Chemistry in the Lehigh University, died suddenly ou 
Sunday morning, March 5th, 1S71, of disease of the 
heart, at his residence, in South Bcthlt-heni, Pa. H<' 
was a son of the late Charles and Margaretta S. Weth- 
erill, of Philadelpdia. 



180 



niSTOHICAL SKKTCII OF 



Edwin "Wright Morgan, LL.D., dcccascil.* 
Pi-iifessor of filntltematlcs and Medmnica. 

Alfkkd Maksiiall Mavku, Ph.D., 

I'rofoawir of Pliysics niid A«trnnomy. 

William Tiihidokk KouprEit, Esq., 

Profestior of MiueraUigy and Geology, and Curator of 
the Museum. 

H. Stanley Goodwin, C. E., 

Dcmoustrator of Civil Engineering. 
Benjamin W. Frazieu, Professor, and 

IvICIIAKD P. EoTllWELL, C. E., 
Demonstrator of Mining and Metallurgy. 

Chakles F. Kkoeh, a. M., 

Instructor of French and German. 

Mr. AValdron Siiapleigii, 

Instructor in Clu-niibtry. 

J. N. liARR, S. 15., 

Instructorof Mathematics and Drawing. 

■\VlLLIA.M A. LjVJIliERTOX, A. 51., 

Instructor of Greek and Latin. 

Founder of the University, 

lion. Asa Packer. 

* Board of Trustees. 

Riglit Rev. Wm. Bacon Stevens, D.D., 
Bisliop of Pennsylvania, President. 
lion. Asa Packer, Maucli Cliunk. 
Charles Brodhead, Esq., Bethlehem. 
W. F. Conyngham, Esq., Wilks-Barro. 
Franklin B. Gowen, Esq., Philadelphia. 
Mr. George W. Childe, " 

II. Stanley Goodwin, Bethlehem. 
Rev. Cortland Whitehead, " 
Eckley B. Coxe, Philadelphia. 
J. I. Blakslee, Mauch Chunk. 
Chas. 0. Pkeer, " 

Rev. L. Coleman, " 
Hon. I. W. Maynard, Easlon. 
Mr. Robert II. Sayre, South Bethlehem. 

• On April 16, ISRO.— Colonel Edwin Wright Morgan, 
Professor of Mathematics and Mechanics at Lehigh 
University, died at the Pun Hotel, Bethlehem, n* 
entered the U. S. Mililnry Academy at W<'st Point In 
1S33, and graduated third in hit class in 1S37. Served 
as Lieutenant-C<donel of tho Eleventh Infantry U. S, 
A. in the Mi'xican War, after which, ho accepted tho 
guperintendency of tho Kentucky Institute, which 
post he filled to the opening of the civil war. Colonel 
Morgan, by hij high attainments and skill, did much 
to prwluco and give excellenco to the public works 
of Pennsylvania and Kentucky and other States. 



Mr. Wra. H. Sayro, Jr., South Bethlehem. 
Mr. Robert A. Packer, Secrelanj, " 
G. B. Linderman, M.D., " 

Mr. John Fritz, Bethlehem, Pa. 
Mr. Harry E. Packer, Mauch Chunk. 
Mr. Joseph Harrison, Jr., Philadelphia. 
Mr. Elisha P. Wilbur, Treasurer. 
Mr. Ed. Tuckerman Potter, Architect. 
Capt. James Jenkins, Constructor. 

Homo Minister et Interprea \aturee. 

Tho Lehigh University is now under the 
auspices of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
and the buildings are handsome and in good 
taste,except the wooden erection covered with 
slate, forming a kind of a steeple on the 
stone tower at the western end of " Packer 
Hall." This should be torn away, and the 
top of the stone tower, which is a model struc- 
ture ; should be embattled, like those of an- 
cient castles, from which on "High-days" 
and holidays, our starry banner could be 
given to the winds. Why a university should 
have a steeple like a church, as was the 
original intention, I am sure I don't know, 
unless it is because there is a chapel con- 
nected with it. It was once the intention to 
put a steeple on the Masonic Temple at 
Philadelphia, as will be seen by theoriginal 
]>lan, fortunately a protest in the Sunday Dis- 
patch, prevented the Temple of our Honora- 
ble and Ancient Order, from being mis- 
taken fur a church. 

STrDENTS OP THE FfH-ST CLASPS. 

From the fourth page of the Programme 
of the Lr.niGH University. 
First UXIVERSITY DAY, June 25, 1367. 

Including those icho have been in attendance 
from Sept 1, 1866 to Sej/t 1, 1867. 

nowland L. Ashuiead, Philadelphia. 

Lehniau Preston Ashniead, Philadelphia. 

Edward C. Boutelle, Jidhlehem, Pa. 

Ilichard IJrodhcad, Sotdh JirthUhem. 

William K. Butler, Mauch Chun!:, Pa. 

Ilichard J. Carter, Tamaqua, Pa. 

J. Uaynes n. Corbin, Sarbadoes, IP. I. 

George L. Cummins, Louisville, Kj. 

Milton Dimmick, Mauch Chunl; Pa. 

E. Albert Dobbins, -Veil' Tt,rlc Citj. 

J. T. Reynolds Evans, /bW Wayne, Jnd. 

Frank E. Forster, Muncy. Pa. 
' Charles W. Forster, Mauch Chunk, Pa. 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



187 



John Hunt, Catasa^iqua, Pa, 
Georgo A. Jenkins, Soufk BethUhan. 
Heniy C. Jenkins, South Bdhhhcm. 
■Wniiiini HL Jenkin8, Wyoming, Fa. 
"William J. K<^rr, Jr., Kew Tori: City. 
A. Xelson Lewis, Havre-de-Grace, Md. 
Peter D. Lndwig, Tamaqtia, Fa. 
Lawrence B. McCabe, Havre-de-Grace. 
Charles McKee, Princeton, III. 
George Mc^Iullin, Mauch Ckunl', Pa. 
Asa A. Packer, Nesqi(eho7iivff, Pa. 
Harry E. Packer, Mauch Chunl\ Pa. 
■William L. Paine, Wills-Barre, Pa. 
Joseph M. Piullet, Wysox, Pa. 
Harry It. Price, St. Clair^ Pa. 
Henry B. Iteod, Philadelpkia, Pa. 
Bichard H. Roberts, Bcthlehein, Pa. 
Charles W. Roepper, BdhleJiem, Pa. 
Wm. R, Donaldson, Philadelphia. 
Jeremiah Ryan, South Bethlehem. 
James K. Shoemaker, Maiich Chunk. 
John M. Thome, Palmyra, Pa. 
Josiah Wertz, Bethlehem, Pa. 
Baroet West, Bethlehem, Pa. 
Robert P. Weston, Mauch CJiunk,Pa.. 
Charlea Wetherill, Phaenixvilh, Pa. 
William C. Wetherill, Bethlehem, Pa. 
Clarence A. Wolle, Bethlehem, Pa. 
Russel B. Tatea, Wavcrly, N. Y. 
Miles Rock, Lancaster, Pa. 

During the Summer of 1S21, Joseph Bona- 
parte visited Bethlehem for the benefit of 
his health, and put himself under the medi- 
cal care of the late Dr. Daniel Green, an 
eccentric and noted physician of that day. 
The doctor and the pure mountain air effect- 
ed a speedy cure of the illsof the former king 
of Spain, and he paid his physician what 
was a handsome fee in those days, a golden 

The incident was thus recorded by Judge 
Franks, under date of August 23, 1821, 

King Joe, it is said, took it into head, 

To Bethlehem air to repair. Sir; 
To exhibit his wealth, and to better h:8 health, 

Under Doctor Green's medical care, Sir. 

Nest morning at dawn, king Joe gave a yawn, 
And expecting bis aches — ope'd his eyes, Sir; 

But noble Green's skWl had cured every ill. 
And the monarch rose np in surprise, Sir. 

* Johannes — a Portugese gold coin of the Talue of 
about (5S) eight dollars. 



For the doctor he call'd— for the doctor he bawJ'd, 
To be knighted at once on the spot, Sir ; 

But the doctor was wise, and cast down his eyes, 
And the honor of knighthood declined, Sir. 

Said, " a boon will I crave, with your majesty's 
leave, 

And 1 grant of it hope I will find, Sir; 
In the course of my life, and that too without a wife, 

I ne'er could save a poor shilling, Sir. 

" Now, a great Joe I have saved, and the boon I crave, 

Is a little Joe, if you are willing, ?irl 
The king in amaze, at the doctor did gaze, 

And soon cross'd his hand with the gold, Sir — 
Then packed up Iiis purses, went off with his horses 

Leaving naught but the tale to be told, Sir. 
Among the many illustrious travellers 
who, about this time, visited Bethlehem, 
may be mentioned the Duke of Weimeh, 
then a fine, handsome looking man, who 
was entertained by Dr. Steckel, at the " Eagle 
Hotel," and was serenaded by the "Old 
Bethlehem Band." The Duke wrote his 
travels in America, and mentions Bethle- 
hem, Leibert's Tannery, its steam engine, 
and Dr. Steckel, A coj^y of this work, in 
the German, was presented to the Bcthhhem 
Library Company, but I have been unable to 
find it. I came across in the library, how- 
ever, an old and valuable History of London, 
presented to the Library Company in 1847, 
by Dr. Thomas Horsfield, a former resident 
of the town. 

It was not until 1745 that the first public 
roads in this part of the State were laid out ; 
yet, even after that, for many years the for- 
mer mode of travel remained the same; in 
fact, until 1782, all business was carried on 
by expresses on horseback. A visit by any 
of the people of Bethlehem to Philadelphia, 
was an event of rare occurrence, and was 
only undertaken once or twice a year, and 
then only by those whose affairs rendered 
such a trip absolutely necessary. 

David Nitschman and his company, con- 
sisting of about one hundred persons, came 
to Bethlehem in the year 1742, on foot, hav- 
ing pack-horses carrying all their worldly 
goods ; along what was known in those days 
as the Great Minnieainh Trail, which had 
been used for many centuries by the 2I\n~ 



188 



II I S T n r C A L S K i: T C K OF 



uus! tribJ of Indians, (who lived in the rc- 
gious beyond the Blue Mountains,) in tlieir 
journeys to the Delaware. Tliis trail or path 
crossed the Lehigh IJiverat" Jones' Island,' 
aboutone mile castof Bethlehem ;and passed 
tiirough the Blue Eidgo at the Wind-gap, 
into the wilderness to the north. 

Jedidiah Irish built the mill at Shimcrs- 
ville on Saucon Creek sometime prior to the 
year 1740. It is the oldest mill in North- 
ampton County, of which we have any re- 
cord. In the year 1743, the Moravians of 
Bethlehem petitioned the court of Bucks 
County for permission to lay out a road from 
their settlement to Saucon Mill. The mill 
and land attached to it was not long after- 
wards purchased by John Curry, a Philadel- 
]iliia lawyer, who resided at the mill for 
many years, and established a ferry over 
the Lehigh Hiver near by, which retained 
the name of " Curry's Ferry," until the year 
1S16, when Henry Jarret built the bridge 
over the Lehigh at Freemansburg. Conrad 
Gmensctter was the Ferryman at Curry's 
Terry during the Revolutionary war. 

The following interesting event is copied 
from the yew York Gazette and Post Hoy, of 
June 19, 1S49. 

" The beginning of this month three natives 
o{ Greenland, two young men and a young wo- 
man, converted to the Christian religion by the 
Moravian Missionaries in that country, were in 
this city on a visit to the Brethren here. They 
left their own country about two years since, in 
the ship belonging to that Society, which had 
carried a ready made framedchurchto bo erected 
tliere, Greenland offering no wood for building. 
T/iis vessel sailed from this port a few days ago 
for Davis* Straits, with some of the Green- 
landers on board, who have visited Brethren in 
several parts of Europe, as England, Holland 
and Germany. They weje clad in seal skins, 
with the hair on, after the manner of their own 
country, their eyes and hair black, like our In- 
dians, but their conii)le.\ion somewhat lighter. 
The Moravians, it seems, have a Mission also at 
liarbill, near Surinam, and two Indian converts 
from thence, with these Greenlauders, mctlately 
at Bethlehem, in this province, (a settlement of 



(ho Moravians,) with some of the Delaware In- 
dians, and some Jluhickons, converts also of tie 
Moravians; and though their native lauds were 
so vastly remote as the latitude 6.41 and 65 
N. yet they observed that each others hair, eyes 
and complexion, convinced them that they were 
all of the same race. They could find, how- 
ever, no similitude in their several languages." 
See the first number of the Vnitas I'ralrum, 
Philadelphia, July, 1870. 

On the first of July, 1792, the first Post- 
office waj established at Bethlehem, and 
Joseph Hoksfield appointed Tostmaster, a 
line of stages was then started to run between 
the town and Philadelphia; (ho trip occu- 
pied then nearly two days, but the time was 
afterwards reduced, (in the year 1798,) to one 
day, by the inuilstof/e. The stages continued 
in use until the month of January, 1S57, 
when theXorth Pennsylvaniallailroad Com- 
pany commenced to run regular passenger 
trains. 

An o'.d writer discourses on this subjectas 
follows : 

" In regard to travelling by private mem- 
bers of the Bethlehem Moravians, the rules 
of the Society made it incumbent upon them 
to have the consent and approval of the 
clergy to leave the town for even a day's 
time; and the undertaking a journey to 
Philadelphia or New York, was first taken 
into serious consideration by the Overseer's 
College, as well as by the clergy in general 
conference assembled. 

" Very few of the Moravian^ availed them- 
selves of the public stages i n the early period 
of their use. Their retired habits made it 
very uncongenial to them to bo in the com- 
pany of strangers; and in fact the Moravians 
of Bethlehem from 1742 to 1800, whilst they 
lived in the world, were not of the world. 
Therefore, a more congenial method was 
adopted. There was a private stage in Bethle- 
hem, owned and conducted by one of the 
Church members; this %va3 hired by parties 
for the purpose. It was customary whenever 
any person had a business call from any 
town, to defer the attending to it till others 
had similar motives inducing them to take 



B E T II L E II E iAI, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ISlI 



a journey ; iu this wise, sis or eight persons 
associated themselves, and hired friend Adam 
Luckenbaeh and his stage. To carry out 
this intention, frequently required several 
weeks' negotiations until the company was 
formed. Before starting, several days more 
were consumed to make the needful prepara- 
tions for the journey. All manner of cakes 
and j^ies were baked, hams boiled, coffee 
ground, Ac. The event created great interest 
in the town; and in the families of the men 
of the party, a commotion was observable 
that portended an unusual occureuce. This 
preparation was necessary. Our travelers 
did not stop at any of the taverns along the 
road. The stage driver took with him a bag 
of oats, which was safely stowed under the 
scat of the stage, a bucket for w-atering the 
horses, swung under the body of the vehicle; 
and a trough for feeding them, was tied on 
behind. Thus provided, he fed his horses at 
a si)ring or brook alongside the road ; whilst 
the passengers regaled themselves out of the 
store of provisions in their baskets. Upon 
arriving at a tavern or a farm-house, in the 
evening, they asked the use of a coffee or a 
tea-pot, the exhilarating beverage being pre- 
pared by them ; each recurred to his or her 
basket, and appeased their appetites out of it. 
This manner of travelling was consonant to 
the feelings of the Itloravhans." 

The INIoravians were always careful in for- 
mer times, to locate their taverns at some 
distance from their settlements, to keep their 
people free from contract with the world; 
and to avoid as much as possible the prying 
curiosity of travellers. At Bethlehem, the 
first 111)1, "The Crown," was erected on the 
south bank of the Lehigh. And at Nazareth 
the first tavern was built at the distance of 
a mile from the town. 

In the Northampton Conaervative, of Feb- 
ruary 16, 1870, a weekly newspaper publish- 
ed by Milton F. Cushing, in South Bethle- 
hem, which at that date had reached its 
seventy-third number, we find the following 
interesting account of the "Crows Inn." 

" In 1743, one hundred and twenty-seven 
years ago, the first tavern was built near the 



river, where now stands the fine Union depot. 
We will picture the place as it then stood, in all 
its rural simplicity. Toiling over rough roaus 
for many uays, indeed, a three days' journey 
from Philadelphia, the eye was gladdened on 
coming down the mountain, and following a 
small silvery brook, shaded by overhangiag 
forest trees, and on taking a short turn to the 
west, this old hostelry came in view, an old 
log house, two stories high, with those small 
windows so common in that day, the low porch 
with carved pillars, the peaked roof, the well 
sweep, and many different objects that met your 
eye on approaching this old retreat, gave a 
charm to the landscape around. Down by the 
river stood a large sycamore tree, and upon a 
hook driven in the tree, hung the horn to sum- 
mon the ferryman, if you desired to visit the 
Moravians on the other side. In those days of 
loyalty to the house of Brunswick, it bore the 
crown of George II, on the panel of the doubk' 
door of the main entrance to this humble 
hostelry. On the conclusion of his lonely for- 
est journey, the traveller could enjoy the frugal 
hospitalities of the house, at the following 
rates : 

Breakfast, with tea or coffee, 4 pence; din- 
ner 6 pence, and with a pint of beer, 8 pence ; 
supper 4 pence, or if hot, 6 pence ; lodging 2 
pence; night's hay and oats, 12 pence. In the 
long, low reception room, at the farther end of 
which was the bar, with its few decanters and 
glasses, among the rest of bar room furniture 
found about the bar in those days, were pow- 
der horns, bullet-pouches, guns, deer horns, 
&c. In a little 6 by 9 frame, hung the License, 
which was granted in 1746, in the 33rd year of 
the reign of the Sovereign Lord, George the 
Second, by the Grace of God, king of Great 
Britain, France, Ireland, Ac, to the Moravian 
congregation of Bethlehem. 

It was at this house George Washingtaa 
stopped over night with his staff on a visit to 
Gen. LaFayette, who lay wounded in Bethle- 
hem. 

We have still in our possession the old front 
door of this house, and t^e door of the room iu 
which Washington slept. The different land- 
lords, who acted both as landlord and ferryman 



190 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 



lit difl'iTCiit times, ncro Ephrnim Culver, in 
17C3 — Vulcnliuo Fuulirer, in 1782; and in 1794 
the tiivcrn was converted into a farm house — 
the old Sun Hotel being built nt (hat time. 

Several years ago the house was bought by 
our townsman, D. .1. Yorkcs, who removed 
it to make room for the North Penn. Railroad, 
but the old structure still remains as the Conti- 
nental Hotel of this place." 

In the 1st volume of the "Memorials of 
the Moravian Church," beginning at page 
202, will bo found the following interesting 
statement relative to the old Inn. 

"The Crown (Die Krone,) originally the 
cabin of a Swiss squatter,Ruetschiby name, 
who settled on the south bank of the river, 
in 1742. In February, 1743, the tract of 274 
acres on which he was seated, was purchased 
by the BrethrenofWm. Allen. They bought 
.the squatter off and out, leased the premises 
to one Anton Gilbert, from Germantown, 
then to one Adam Schaues, and in 1745, after 
having enlarged the building, opened it 
for public entertainment. B> was stocked 
in May of that year with gill and half- 
gill pewter wine measures, with 2 dram 
glasses; 2 hogsheads of cider; 1 cask of 
iiictheglin ; 1 cask of rum ; G pewter plates ; 
iron candlesticks, and whatever else could 
minister to the creature comforts of thetired 
traveller. Here he was served with a break- 
fast of tea or coffee at four pence, a dinner 
at six pence, a pint of beer at three pence, a 
supper at four pence, or if hot, at si.x pence ; 
with lodgings at two pence, and a night's 
bay and oats for his horse at twelve pence. 
■ Joet Vullcrt was the first landlord for the 
Brethren. The succession of publicans to 
the end of this piece of history were as fol- 
lows : — Hartmann Verdries, J. Godfrcj- 
Grabs, Nicholas Schaeffer and Ephriam 
Culver. In 1794, the sign-board, emblazoned 
with the British Crown, that had often served 
as a mark for the arrows of tho wild Indian 
boys of Trcdt/uscung'« Cumpany, was taken 
down, and the old hn?toIrv converted into a 
farm house. a » « 

At an early day inu i.i.iMron built several 
houses near the Crown, and thus a small 



settlement sprang up on the south side of 
the river. A school for girls, and subse- 
quently one for boys, Auf dcr GedulJ, was 
temporarily conducted here." 

When the Moravians first settled at Beth- 
lehem, Loskiel states that there was but two 
houses in the vicinity inhabited by white 
people. It is said that the two families re- 
ferred too, were the KicsUteint, and the Let's. 
The former lived at the foot of tho Lehigh 
mountains, south of Bethlehem, not far from 
the present Zinc Works. Some of the family 
were buried at the foot of tlie mountain on 
tho north side, and the graves covered by a 
large heap of stones, on the place now called 
the Trvtie property. The Lee's lived on tho 
top of the mountain, south of Bethlehem, 
their former residence is called KiUurd'i 
plitce. Mrs. George Keisling and Mrs. Levi 
Fcnncr, of Bethlehem, are both descendenta 
of the Lee family. 

It is said that a family named Jcnuingi, 
owned and lived upon the property now 
known as (jehaimjer't, above Bethlehem, at 
the time of the first settlement of the place, 
and may bo one of the families referred to. 
See Lewis H. Weiss' Annals of the Music of 
Bethlehem, and a note by Rufus A Grider, 
in his History of Music in Bethlehem. 

South Bethlehem has two weekly news- 
papers. The M'cckli/ Prnr/rcsn made its first 
appearance during the week ending March 
19, 1S70, it was edited by Daniel E. Shoedler, 
and published by 0. B. Sigley k Co., it 
became a daily in April, 1S71. The other 
paper is called " The South Bethlehem Con- 
servative, and its first number was issued 
sometime in 1S70. 

The difference between the mode of travel 
in the last century and the present, is ad- 
mirably illustrated by an old advertisement, 
which hangs framed in the office of the Eagle 
Hotel, at Bethlehem, cut from the pages of 
the T hiladefjtJtia Adi-ertiser, of April 5th, 
179S, with the insertion of which a labor of 
love is ended. 

" PllILADKLPHIA, Al.LENTOW.X, BeTBLEHEU 

a'nd WixDCAP Stages. 
" The subscribers respectfully inform the 



BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 



191 



public that they will start a line of stages 
to set out at the Wind Gap at Mr. Jacob Hel- 
ler's, on Saturday, the ISth of April, 1798, at 
one o'clock in the afternoon, and arrive at 
Eethlehem said evening. Another stage will 
start from Bethlehem at five o'clock next 
moruing,at which time an extra stage will 
start from Allentown, from the house of Mr. 
Jacob Hageback, and fall in with the line at 
Mr. D. Cooper's; then proceeding to Mr. 
Samuel Seller's, where another stage will 
set out immediately, and arrive at Mr. Ely 
Chandler's, Franklin Head, Philadelphia, 
same evening. Set out from E. Chandler's 
(Franklin Head), Philadelphia, on Wednes- 
day morning at five o'clock, and proceed 
the same route back, and arrive at Allen- 
town and Bethlehem same evening. Anoth- 
er stage will leave J. Heller's at one o'clock 
said day, and likewise arrive at Bethlehem 
same evening ; set out from Bethlehem 
Thursday morning at five o'clock, and both 
stages take their respective routes, and ar- 
rive at Philadelphia same evening, and at 
Mr. Heller's at nine o'clock the same morn- 
ing; set out from Mr. Chandler'.s on Satur- 
day morning at five o'clock, and arrive at 
Allentown and Bethlehem said evening, and 
so alternately twice a week from the Wind- 
gnp to Philadelphia. 
"The fare f,r passengers from Mr. Hel- 



ler's (Windgap) to Bethlehem, for each pas- 
senger, seventy cents ; from Bethlehem or 
Allentown to Philadelphia, three dollars. 
Way passengers, six cents per mile, fourteen 
pounds of baggage allowed each passenger, 
160 cwt. the same as a passenger, and the 
same for returning. 

" Parcels taken in at the Stage Office at 
Mr. Chandler's, Philadelphia, at Mr. Laver- 
ings, Bethlehem, at Mr. Hageback's, Allen- 
town, and at Mr. Heller's, Windgap. The 
smallest parcel twelve cents ; two cents per 
pound that exceeds fourteen pounds, for 
which the subscribers will vouch for their 
delivery at their respective places, if proper- 
ly directed. 

" The subscribers, from the liberal encour- 
agement received from the public last sea- 
son, and now by providing several sets of 
the best horses and commodious stages, so- 
ber and careful drivers, they flatter them- 
selves that the public will continue to give 
them the preference, as the line will run 
through from Bethlehem to Philadelphia in 
one day. 

George Weaver, 
Samuel Sellers, 
Philip Sellers, 
EsocH Roberts, 
Jacob Hellers. 
April 5th, 1798. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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